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AFCON returns to 2-year cycle after CAF reverses quadrennial decision

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In short

The governing body previously explored a quadrennial schedule supported by a newly conceived CAF Nations League, but officials realized that replacement competition could not quickly provide sufficient financial returns. In response, CAF leadership chose to safeguard its primary revenue driver by reaffirming the established biennial cadence. The upcoming tournament roadmap is now set, beginning with a joint staging in East Africa in 2027 followed by tournaments in 2028, 2031, and 2033. To protect long-standing custom, no continental championship will occur in 2030 to avoid overlap with the World Cup.

Key points

  • The continental tournament will take place in 2027, 2028, 2031, and 2033 while skipping 2…: The continental tournament will take place in 2027, 2028, 2031, and 2033 while skipping 2030 to avoid clashing with the World Cup.
  • CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that preserving the biennial schedule protects the v…: CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that preserving the biennial schedule protects the vital interests of fifty-four member associations and overseas players.
  • African football leadership prioritized proven financial stability over a speculative new…: African football leadership prioritized proven financial stability over a speculative new tournament concept that would have taken years to mature.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will cohost the next AFCON in 2027, with subsequent tournaments in 2028, 2031 and 2033.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every two years, not four as was planned, governing body the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced after reversing an earlier decision.

AFCON has traditionally been staged every two years, but CAF’s surprise decision last December to move to a four-year cycle was not widely welcomed.

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“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee today unanimously decided that the CAF Africa Cup of Nations will return to taking place every Two Years,” CAF said in a statement.

Under the previous plan, AFCON would have moved to…

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