CAF considers return to biennial Africa Cup of Nations

Patrice Motsepe says the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering bringing back the Africa Cup of Nations every two years, less than a year after approving plans to stage the tournament once every four years.

Speaking at CAF’s general assembly in Cape Verde on Friday, CAF president Motsepe said all options were being examined.

“We discussed the matter in recent days and are studying all the options, including returning to the Africa Cup of Nations every two years,” he told delegates, who responded with applause.

CAF announced in December 2025 that the tournament would move from a two-year cycle to a four-year cycle from 2028. The change was intended to bring the competition into line with the international football calendar.

However, the decision attracted strong opposition, prompting Motsepi to reconsider the plan.

The debate also has major financial implications for African football. The British newspaper The Guardian reported in August that CAF had been forced to give up $1bn as a result of switching from a biennial tournament to one held every four years.

The financial concerns come as the competition’s image has also been affected by the controversies surrounding the final of the most recent edition, which was contested by Morocco and Senegal, according to French broadcaster RMC.

No final decision has yet been announced on the tournament’s future format. For now, the next Africa Cup of Nations remains scheduled to take place from 19 June to 18 July 2027.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will jointly host that edition. The host country or countries for the 2028 tournament have not yet been confirmed.

The 2028 edition had been expected to take place before the planned move to a four-year cycle. Motsepe’s comments suggest CAF is again assessing whether the competition should return to its previous schedule, although the organisation has not stated when that review will conclude.