African Nations League format revealed

​Moroccan outlet Al-Botola has reported new details about the upcoming African Nations League, announced by CAF after deciding that the Africa Cup of Nations will now be held every four years instead of two.

The report is based on comments from CAF president Patrice Motsepe, made at a press conference in Morocco on the sidelines of preparations for AFCON 2025.

Motsepe explained that the new competition will officially start after the 2029 Club World Cup. The 54 CAF member associations will be split into four geographical zones, with national teams in each zone facing one another to determine a regional champion.

The winners of these four zones will qualify for a final stage played as a centralized mini-tournament every November, with the host nation to be announced later.

He also stressed that the African Nations League will be held every two years on a regular basis. The tournament’s concept is similar to the UEFA Nations League, taking place during international windows that are not occupied by major competitions such as the World Cup, Euros, AFCON or their qualifiers.

The goal is to raise the level of continental competition and guarantee strong, consistent fixtures for African national teams.