Afcon Moves To Four-year Cycle, African Nations League To Launch In 2029

The African Cup of Nations (Afcon) will switch from its traditional biennial format to a four-year cycle following the 2027 finals in East Africa, Caf president Patrice Motsepe confirmed on the eve of Afcon 2025 in Morocco. This marks a major restructuring of African football, aiming to align the continent's flagship tournament with the global football calendar.

Motsepe announced that an Afcon edition will also take place in 2028 before the new quadrennial cycle begins, ensuring a smooth transition. The dates for the 2027 finals, set to be hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, have yet to be finalised. The host for the 2028 edition is also pending.

The decision comes after years of scheduling challenges, as Afcon has often clashed with European club seasons. Attempts to hold the tournament in June-July from 2019 onwards faced disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions in Central and West Africa, forcing recent editions in Cameroon and Ivory Coast to take place in January and February. This year, Morocco will host the finals over Christmas and New Year, with the final scheduled for 18 January.

In addition to the schedule change, Caf has increased the winners’ prize money from seven million dollars to ten million dollars, further raising the stakes for African nations.

Motsepe also revealed plans for a brand new African Nations League, set to begin in 2029. The competition will be held annually from September to November, featuring all 54 Caf member nations divided into four zones: Northern, Eastern, Western, and Central and Southern. Six nations will compete in the Northern zone, while 16 nations will participate in the other three zones.

Regional champions will meet in November to crown an overall winner. Motsepe described the league as "the equivalent of an Afcon every year," promising a platform for Africa's best players, including those based in Europe, to showcase their talent on home soil.

"Every year, Africa will have a world-class competition with all 54 nations competing and the continent’s top players in action," Motsepe said. He added that the league will be held in partnership with Fifa to attract leading sponsors and further boost African football.

The announcements were made following a Caf executive committee meeting in Morocco, with Motsepe confirming that the decisions were coordinated with Fifa president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafstrom.

African football is now set for a landmark transformation, combining financial incentives, competitive consistency, and greater visibility for the continent’s players.