African football is heading into a new era after CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe announced sweeping reforms to the continent’s flagship competitions, led by a shift of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four year cycle and the launch of a new African Nations League.
Speaking on Saturday in Rabat, Motsepe said the changes were designed to better align African football with the global calendar and strengthen the game across the continent.
“I do what is in the interests of Africa,” Motsepe said. “The global calendar has to be more synchronised and harmonised.”
AFCON moves to four year cycle
From 2028, AFCON will be played every four years, ending its long standing biennial format that has been in place for most of the tournament’s history.
CAF has, however, planned a transition period. After the 2027 AFCON, to be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, another edition will be held in 2028.
From there, the competition will settle into a four-year rhythm, with tournaments scheduled for 2032 and 2036.
Motsepe described the 2028 edition as a “bridge” to help manage the shift.
The move is expected to reduce fixture congestion, ease pressure on players and clubs, and enhance the prestige and global appeal of Africa’s biggest international tournament.
African Nations League launched
CAF also confirmed the introduction of the African Nations League, a new annual competition set to begin in 2029.
The tournament will be played during FIFA international windows in September, October and November, providing national teams with regular, competitive matches outside AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
The format mirrors similar competitions in other confederations and aims to raise standards and consistency across African international football.
