Caf source denies plans to expand 2027 Africa Cup of Nations beyond 24 teams

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead with 24 participating teams, despite recent claims that the tournament could be expanded to 28, a Confederation of African Football (Caf) source has told FilGoal.com.

Reports had circulated that the competition would feature four additional countries after comments attributed to Caf president Patrice Motsepe suggested an increase in the number of finalists.

However, a Caf official, speaking to FilGoal.com, insisted that Motsepe’s remarks had been misunderstood and that no change had been made to the established format.

“Copa Africa 2027 will be held as normal with 24 teams, and Patrice Motsepe’s comments about increasing the number of teams were interpreted incorrectly,” the Caf source said.

East African hosts confirmed

The 2027 finals are scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with the tournament due to take place between June and July 2027.

The three East African nations are preparing to stage the next edition following the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted by Morocco.

At that tournament, Egypt reached the semi-finals and eventually finished fourth.

Egypt’s route to 2027

Egypt have already learned their opponents in qualifying for the 2027 finals. They have been drawn in a group alongside Angola, South Sudan and Malawi.

The qualification campaign is set to run from September 2026 through to March 2027.

FilGoal.com has obtained the full schedule and order of Egypt’s fixtures in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.