CAF plans four-year AFCON cycle after 2028 tournament

Story by Tawheed Yakub

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced plans to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition of the tournament.

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CAF disclosed that the move is aimed at aligning the competition with global football calendars, reducing congestion, and improving the overall quality and commercial value of the tournament. The decision follows extensive consultations with member associations, leagues, and other football stakeholders.

Under the proposed arrangement, AFCON would be staged every four years instead of the current two-year cycle, allowing players more recovery time and clubs greater scheduling stability. CAF officials said the change would also enhance preparation standards and boost fan engagement across the continent.

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The football body added that further details, including transition plans and adjustments to qualification formats, would be communicated in due course.

The announcement has already sparked debate among football fans and analysts, with some welcoming the reform as overdue, while others express concerns about reduced frequency of Africa’s flagship football competition.

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