CAF reinstates biennial Africa Cup of Nations schedule after reversing four‑year plan

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on 30 October 2026 that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will once again be staged every two years. The decision overturns a plan announced in December 2025 to move the flagship competition to a four‑year cycle, with a new Africa Nations League intended to fill the intervening period. CAF President Patrice Motsepe claimed the decision was taken to advance, protect and promote the interests of African football, its 54 member associations and players working for clubs beyond the continent.

The executive committee approved the change unanimously at a strategy conference held in Cabo Verde from 7 to 9 October 2026. In a statement issued on 30 October, CAF said that the proposed Nations League would need several years to achieve financial sustainability and to provide the developmental advantages anticipated for African football. Consequently, the governing body decided to retain the biennial AFCON format to safeguard the sport’s growth and competitiveness globally.

Background

AFCON has been contested on a two‑year basis since its inaugural edition in 1957, with only a few exceptions such as a three‑year gap in the early 1960s. In December 2025, CAF announced a restructuring that would shift the tournament to a four‑year rhythm after the 2028 edition, while introducing an Africa Nations League as a biennial competition to occupy the gap years. The plan was presented as a way to generate additional revenue and increase the continent’s football profile.

However, within months of the announcement, speculation grew about the feasibility of the new schedule. At the October strategy conference in Cabo Verde, Motsepe hinted that CAF was reviewing the proposal. Media reports from the BBC and other outlets noted that the reversal was driven by concerns that the Nations League would not quickly generate the necessary financial resources. The CAF executive committee subsequently voted unanimously to abandon the four‑year model and restore the traditional biennial cycle.

Why it matters

The decision directly affects all 54 CAF member associations, including high‑profile teams such as Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who stand to gain more frequent opportunities to compete for the continental title. Players based in European clubs, who form a significant portion of African national squads, also benefit from a more regular tournament calendar, reducing long gaps between major competitions.

Financially, retaining the two‑year AFCON format avoids the risk of a prolonged revenue shortfall that could arise if the Africa Nations League failed to become self‑sustaining. CAF highlighted that the Nations League would need several years to generate sufficient income to support its operations and broader football development programmes across the continent. By keeping AFCON on its established schedule, CAF aims to preserve the tournament’s role as a key platform for celebrating African culture, uniting diaspora communities, and showcasing talent to global audiences.

What happens next

CAF will continue to develop the Africa Nations League, but with the acknowledgement that its financial viability will take time to materialise. The executive committee’s statement indicated that the new competition is intended to mirror the existing AFCON format and be held biennially, yet it will not replace AFCON’s role in the immediate future. No specific timeline was provided for the launch of the Nations League, but CAF signalled that further reviews will assess its progress and funding requirements.

The restored biennial schedule means the next AFCON edition will proceed as originally planned for 2026, with subsequent tournaments in 2028, 2030 and so on, maintaining the rhythm that fans, broadcasters and sponsors have come to expect.