CAF Confirms AFCON 2027 To Feature 24 Teams, Dismisses Contrary Reports

CAF Confirms AFCON 2027 To Feature 24 Teams, Dismisses Contrary Reports

Sampson Adedeji

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be contested by 24 national teams, dismissing media reports suggesting a reduction in the number of participating countries, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking on the tournament, Motsepe stated that reports claiming the competition would feature fewer than 24 teams are inaccurate.

He also confirmed that the 2027 AFCON will be held in June and July 2027, while the qualification campaign is scheduled to begin in September and October 2026.

The clarification puts to rest speculation surrounding the format of the continental showpiece, with CAF maintaining the 24-team structure introduced at the 2019 edition. The 2027 tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.