CAF rules out expansion and confirms 24-team format for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved to end uncertainty over the format of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the tournament will remain a 24-team competition rather than being expanded to 28 sides.

CAF issued an official statement after comments made on Wednesday by its president Patrice Motsepe had fuelled speculation that an increase in the number of finalists was being seriously considered.

In its clarification, CAF stated that reports suggesting the 2027 finals would feature 28 teams were incorrect and that the current format will be retained. The governing body underlined that the 2027 edition will, as things stand, follow exactly the same structure used since the tournament was expanded from 16 to 24 nations for the 2019 finals.

The announcement means that the final tournament in 2027 will again comprise 24 qualified national teams in the main competition phase, rather than any enlarged line-up.

Dates and hosts unchanged

CAF also reiterated the key dates in its communication, confirming that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be staged between June and July 2027.

The qualifying campaign is scheduled to get under way in the September-October 2026 international window, in line with CAF’s established calendar, before concluding in time for the finals the following year.

The tournament is set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, as was previously decided. With CAF’s confirmation that there will be no expansion, the three East African nations will stage a competition that mirrors the existing format in place since 2019.

This means the number of slots available to national associations across the continent will remain unchanged for the 2027 edition, preserving the same qualification dynamics that have applied to recent tournaments.

By publicly restating both the size and timing of the competition, CAF has sought to draw a line under the rumours triggered by Motsepe’s earlier remarks and to provide clarity to member associations and organisers preparing for the first Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.