In a move that marks the biggest structural change to African football in over 50 years, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has officially confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will move to a four-year cycle starting in 2028.
The announcement was made on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Rabat, just 24 hours before the opening match of the 2025 edition in Morocco. This decision effectively ends the biennial (every two years) tradition that has been a staple of the continent since 1968.
The New Roadmap: 2025 to 2032
To manage the transition, CAF has laid out a specific "bridge" schedule:
Morocco 2025: Currently underway (Finals in January 2026).
East Africa 2027: To be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
AFCON 2028: A final "bridge" edition (host to be determined) to officially launch the new cycle.
2032 & Beyond: The tournament will then occur every four years, aligning with the UEFA Euros and Copa América cycle.
Why the Sudden Change?
Motsepe cited the need for a "harmonized global calendar" as the primary driver for the reform.
1.Club vs. Country Conflict: For years, European clubs have pressured CAF to move away from the biennial format, which often forces players to leave mid-season.
2. Player Welfare: The relentless schedule of back-to-back tournaments was deemed unsustainable for Africa's elite stars playing in the world's top leagues.
3. Revenue & Prestige: By moving to a four-year cycle, CAF aims to increase the "scarcity value" and prestige of the trophy, making it a more significant commercial asset.
Enter: The African Nations League
To fill the gap in the years between AFCONs and protect the revenue of national associations, Motsepe also announced the launch of the African Nations League, set to begin in 2029.
Format: Modeled after the UEFA version, it will feature regionalized group stages (East, West, Central-Southern, and North zones).
Timing: Matches will take place in September and October, with a "Finals" tournament held every November. Prize Money: CAF has pledged to significantly increase financial resources for this annual competition to offset the loss of a biennial AFCON.
Prize Money Boost for 2025
In a separate bit of good news for the teams currently in Morocco, Motsepe confirmed that the prize money for the 2025 AFCON winners has been increased to $10 million (up from $7 million in 2023).
The Verdict
While the move has been praised by European clubs and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it has sparked a mixed reaction across the continent.
Purists argue that the two-year cycle was essential for the rapid development of African infrastructure and talent, while others see this as a necessary evolution to ensure African players remain at the top of the global game.
With the 2025 tournament kicking off today in Rabat, would you like a preview of the opening match between Morocco and Comoros, or should I break down how the new Nations League format will work for your favorite team?