CAF proposes expanding AFCON from 24 to 28 teams
CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could expand from 24 to 28 teams, following an executive committee meeting. However, he did not specify the tournament's new structure or a timeline for implementation. The tournament was previously expanded from 16 to 24 teams in 2019.
The 2027 AFCON will proceed as planned, hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. After an additional edition in 2028, the competition will shift to a four-year cycle. CAF also plans a new annual national league competition starting in 2029, featuring a 16-team finals tournament every two years.
Motsepe said these changes aim to develop world-class football and attract top African players back to the continent. The proposals signal CAF's focus on growth but leave critical details—such as qualification processes, scheduling, and logistics—undecided. No specific deadlines or implementation steps have been announced yet.
With Motsepe re-elected in 2025 as CAF's first South African president, these reforms could reshape African football's competitive landscape and commercial potential, though fans and federations await further clarification.