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AFCON to Transition to a Four-Year Cycle Starting 2028
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent’s premier football championship, will adopt a new four-year interval beginning in 2028, as confirmed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe. This marks a significant departure from the tournament’s longstanding biennial tradition, which has been in place since 1968, except for a brief one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
Aligning AFCON with the Global Football Calendar
Following the 2027 AFCON hosted in East Africa and a special edition in 2028, the competition will shift to a quadrennial schedule. This adjustment aims to synchronize AFCON with major international tournaments like the UEFA European Championship, facilitating smoother integration of African football within the global sporting calendar. Motsepe emphasized that this change is designed to enhance the organization and excitement surrounding African football, stating, “My priority is Africa’s best interests. The global football calendar must be more harmonized and coordinated.”
Innovative Scheduling and Consideration of External Factors
The upcoming 2025 AFCON in Morocco will break new ground by taking place over the Christmas and New Year period, culminating in a final on January 18. This unusual timing addresses conflicts with Europe’s club season and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Future tournaments will also factor in climatic conditions and international football schedules to minimize disruptions and ensure optimal playing conditions.
Enhanced Prize Money Reflects AFCON’s Rising Status
In a move that underscores the tournament’s growing prestige, CAF has increased the AFCON winner’s prize money from $7 million (£5.2 million) to $10 million (£7.5 million). This boost not only rewards excellence but also elevates the competition’s profile on the world stage.
Introducing the African Nations League: A New Annual Showcase
Beyond the AFCON schedule revamp, CAF is launching the African Nations League in 2029, a fresh annual competition involving all 54 member associations. The league will be divided into four regional zones, with matches held in September and October. The champions from each zone will then face off in November to crown an overall winner.
Motsepe likened this new tournament to “an AFCON every year,” highlighting the expectation that African players based in European leagues will regularly participate, thereby raising the competition’s quality and appeal.
Transforming African Football: What Fans Can Expect
The transition to a four-year AFCON cycle combined with the introduction of the African Nations League represents a pivotal evolution in African football. Supporters can look forward to improved tournament planning, heightened competitiveness, and more frequent opportunities to witness the continent’s top talent in action annually. These changes promise to strengthen African football’s global standing and foster greater engagement among fans worldwide.
