The Confederation of African Football has announced plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams, in a move aimed at boosting inclusivity and accelerating football development across the continent.
The proposal forms part of CAF’s broader strategy to elevate its flagship competition both on and off the pitch. The current 24-team format, introduced in 2019, significantly increased participation, but the governing body believes a further expansion will create more opportunities for emerging football nations.
In addition, CAF is considering a major change to the tournament calendar. After the 2028 edition, AFCON is expected to shift from its traditional biennial schedule to a four-year cycle, aligning more closely with global competitions.
CAF has also revealed plans to launch an African Nations League in 2029, designed to provide regular, high-quality matches and enhance competitiveness between tournaments.
While timelines for implementation remain under discussion, CAF says the reforms underline its commitment to modernizing African football and expanding its global reach.
