The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 nations.
The new format is expected to take effect in the next four-year cycle, following the 2027 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Under the revised structure, the competition will feature seven groups of four teams, increasing participation and giving more nations the opportunity to compete on the continent’s biggest stage.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe also confirmed that the tournament will transition to a four-year cycle starting from 2028, moving away from its current biennial format.
The changes are aimed at enhancing competitiveness and improving the overall quality of the tournament, while also aligning with global football trends, including the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams.
The decision marks a significant shift in African football, with expectations that the new format will further elevate the profile and appeal of AFCON across the continent and beyond.
