CAF reviews possibility of returning Africa Cup of Nations to a two-year cycle

CAF president Patrice Motsepe says the organisation is considering bringing back the Africa Cup of Nations every two years.

The tournament was previously staged biennially, but CAF announced in December 2025 that it would instead be held every four years. Motsepe confirmed that the frequency of the competition is now being reconsidered.

“We are studying the possibility of organising the Africa Cup of Nations every two years,” Motsepe said while opening CAF’s strategy conference in Cape Verde.

“This matter is under review,” he added.

The next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July next year, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to host the tournament in 2027.

Motsepe said there was no alternative plan to the three East African countries hosting the competition.

“There is no other option. The East African countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – remain plan A, plan B and plan C for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.

The CAF president has already met the presidents of Tanzania and Kenya and is due to meet the Ugandan president soon.

His comments come amid reports that preparations, particularly in Kenya, are progressing slowly compared with Tanzania and Uganda. Motsepe nonetheless expressed confidence that all three countries would be ready to stage the tournament.

The Africa Cup of Nations features 24 national teams. The number of participants was increased from 16 beginning with the 2019 edition in Egypt.