The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to take place every two years after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed its controversial plan to hold the tournament every four years.
CAF announced the decision on Friday, October 30, following a unanimous vote by its Executive Committee.
The move restores AFCON’s traditional schedule and follows criticism of the proposed four-year format.
According to Reuters, CAF had announced the change in December 2025. However, the proposal received a mixed response across African football.
CAF confirms AFCON will remain biennial
CAF said its Executive Committee had unanimously approved the return to a two-year tournament cycle.
The governing body had previously planned to organise AFCON every four years.
Under that proposal, a new CAF Nations League would have become Africa’s main biennial international competition.
However, CAF has now abandoned the four-year AFCON plan.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the decision was intended to protect the interests of African football.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting CAF’s 54 member associations and African players competing for clubs abroad.
The announcement brings an end to months of uncertainty over the tournament’s future.
Why did CAF reverse its decision?
CAF initially proposed the four-year schedule as part of a broader restructuring of African international football.
The organisation wanted to introduce a Nations League that would take place every two years.
However, the proposed competition raised financial questions.
CAF acknowledged that the Nations League would require several years to generate enough revenue to support African football.
Meanwhile, the decision to reduce the frequency of AFCON had faced criticism.
Motsepe indicated earlier in October that CAF was considering restoring the traditional schedule.
Speaking at a strategy conference in Cape Verde, he confirmed that the governing body was reviewing its plans.
Friday’s announcement formally reversed the earlier decision.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to host AFCON 2027
The next Africa Cup of Nations will take place in East Africa in 2027.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the tournament.
The competition will mark an important opportunity for the three countries to showcase their football infrastructure.
It will also bring one of Africa’s biggest sporting events to the region.
CAF confirmed that the following editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
There will be no tournament in 2030, when the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place.
Although CAF has restored its traditional two-year approach, the announced tournament years do not form a strictly biennial sequence.
AFCON remains central to African football
The Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s leading international football competition.
Traditionally held every two years, the tournament brings together Africa’s strongest national teams.
It also provides an important platform for players competing in African domestic leagues and international competitions.
The event generates significant attention across the continent and among African football supporters worldwide.
CAF’s latest decision preserves the tournament’s regular presence on the international football calendar.
However, questions remain about the future of the proposed CAF Nations League.
The governing body has not provided a detailed new schedule for that competition.
For now, attention will turn to preparations for AFCON 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The tournament will be the first edition held after CAF’s decision to abandon its proposed four-year cycle.