CAF Officially Moves Tournament to Four-Year Cycle
A New Era for African Football: AFCON Moves to Four-Year Cycle
By Sports Desk | December 2025
RABAT, Morocco – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will transition to a quadrennial (four-year) format. The decision marks the biggest structural change to the tournament since 1968.
Key Changes at a Glance
| Feature | Old Format | New Format (2028+) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 2 years | Every 4 years |
| New Competition | None | African Nations League (Annual) |
| Winner's Prize | $7 Million | $10 Million |
Why the Change?
The primary goal is to resolve the "club vs. country" conflict. By moving to a four-year cycle and aligning with the FIFA calendar, CAF aims to:
- Reduce Player Fatigue: Fewer mid-season demands on stars like Salah and Osimhen.
- Increase Prestige: Making the tournament rarer increases commercial value.
- Improve Infrastructure: Hosts get more time to prepare world-class facilities.
"We are harmonizing African football with the world to ensure our players and our competitions reach their maximum potential." - CAF Statement.
The Upcoming Roadmap
The transition schedule is set as follows:
- 2025: Hosted in Morocco.
- 2027: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- 2028: First edition of the new 4-year cycle.
- 2032: The next tournament (4 years later).
Breaking: The African Nations League will debut in 2029 to keep fans engaged.
