The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years instead of every two years. This change, necessary to align the competition with the global football calendar, will take effect from 2028, announced the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, during a press conference.
He made the statement at the ceremony marking the start of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which is being held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Additionally, Motsepe announced the establishment of the African Nations League—a competition to be held annually starting in 2029.
"Right now, we are focused on the next Africa Cup of Nations—in 2027, we will go to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The following Africa Cup of Nations, as part of the restructuring of the global football calendar, will take place in 2028. In 2029, the inaugural African Nations League will be held, featuring the best African players from across the continent and around the world," he said.
The CAF President also announced an increase in the prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations. In 2024, the champion Ivory Coast team received $7 million in prize money, while the champion of the current tournament will receive $10 million.
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier competition for national teams under the auspices of CAF. The first tournament was held in 1957, and since 1968, it has been held regularly every two years. National teams from across the African continent participate in the competition.
The previous Africa Cup of Nations was held in the winter of 2024 in Ivory Coast, with the host nation emerging as the champion. Originally scheduled for 2023, the tournament was postponed due to weather conditions.