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Full Breakdown

CAF Restores AFCON to Biennial Schedule After Reversing Four-Year Plan

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Event

On October 29, 2026, the CAF Executive Committee voted unanimously to keep the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on its two-year cycle, overturning a December 2025 decision that would have moved it to a four-year rhythm and introduced an Africa Nations League.

Blueprint NewspaperAFCON to Remain Every Two Years as CAF Scraps Four-Year Plan CAF Makes U-Turn, Returns AFCON to Two-Year Cycle CAF scraps four-year AFCON plan, confirms return to two-year cycle Al Jazeera (website)

02

Background & Context

CAF first proposed the quadrennial format at its strategy conference in Cabo Verde (October 7-9, 2026). The plan aimed to align AFCON with other continental championships and fund a new Nations League slated for 2029. Feasibility studies later showed the league would need several years to generate sufficient revenue for CAF’s 54 member associations.

CAF Reverses Four-Year AFCON Expansion Plan to Retain Biennial Tournament Cycle

Visual evidence

Images from the story

The official AFCON trophy on display
The official AFCON trophy on displayPhoto: k24
Samson Adamu
Samson AdamuPhoto: pmparrotng
AFCON returns to two-year cycle as CAF reverses four-year plan
AFCON returns to two-year cycle as CAF reverses four-year planPhoto: ewn
CAF has reversed its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years. Image: CAF_media / X Source: Twitter
CAF has reversed its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years. Image: CAF_media / X Source: TwitterPhoto: briefly
CAF President holds a venue inspection press conference ahead of AFCON 2027 at Talanta Stadium on Friday, September 18, 2026
CAF President holds a venue inspection press conference ahead of AFCON 2027 at Talanta Stadium on Friday, September 18, 2026Photo: k24
Senegalese players raise the trophy after winning the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) final match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital Rabat, Morocco on January 19, 2026. Senegal won the 35th Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final marked by lengthy stoppage-time scenes
Senegalese players raise the trophy after winning the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) final match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital Rabat, Morocco on January 19, 2026. Senegal won the 35th Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a dramatic final marked by lengthy stoppage-time scenesPhoto: citisportsonline
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe speaks during a news conference, Johannesburg, South Africa, March 16, 2021
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe speaks during a news conference, Johannesburg, South Africa, March 16, 2021Photo: dailysabah
CAF has reportedly revised its decision to host the AFCON every four years
CAF has reportedly revised its decision to host the AFCON every four yearsPhoto: yen

03

Data & Statistics

  • 2027 tournament: Jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, scheduled June 19 – July 17, 2027.
CAF Makes U-Turn, Returns AFCON to Two-Year Cycle
  • Subsequent editions: Planned for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
CAF reverses four-year AFCON plan, restores two-year cycle
  • 2030: No AFCON, respecting the FIFA World Cup year.
Official: AFCON returns to 2-year cycle as CAF reverses 4-year plan
  • Member associations: 54 federations rely on AFCON’s broadcast, sponsorship and ticket revenues for development programmes.
CAF reverses course, restores AFCON to biennial schedule

04

Official Statements & Responses

CAF said the reversal was driven by financial sustainability concerns and that the Nations League would not be viable for several years, risking a revenue shortfall. President Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in the East African hosts and noted the schedule aligns with the 2030 World Cup calendar. CAF also confirmed that bids for later editions remain under review.

CAF Reverses AFCON To Hold Every Two Years — ABN TV

05

Criticism & Opposition

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly argued that a biennial tournament is essential for development, while South Africa coach Hugo Broos supported the four-year schedule for giving teams more preparation time.

CAF reverses four-year AFCON plan, restores two-year cycle

06

Verbatim Quotes

  • “The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations,” — Patrice Motsepe
CAF reverses decision, confirms AFCON will remain a biennial tournament
  • “We know that it's really important to have the Afcon every two years for the development of the continent,” — Kalidou Koulibaly
CAF reverses four-year AFCON plan, restores two-year cycle

07

What’s Next

  • CAF will conduct a venue inspection for the 2027 tournament on September 18, 2026.
CAF scraps 4-year AFCON plan, returns to 2-year cycle: See new schedule
  • Bidding for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions opened in July 2027, with the 2028 AFCON already confirmed for the East African hosts.
CAF reverses four-year AFCON plan, restores two-year cycle
  • The Confederation will continue to assess the feasibility of the Africa Nations League, keeping its launch timeline under review.
CAF Reverses Four-Year AFCON Expansion Plan to Retain Biennial Tournament Cycle