- CAF to Expand Africa Cup of Nations to 28 Teams
- 2027 finals confirmed for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda; 2028 edition planned.
- CAF Nations League set for 2029, boosting East African football development.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will expand the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to 28 teams, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced on Sunday.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking after an executive committee meeting, Motsepe said the expansion aims to elevate the continent’s flagship tournament and encourage more African players to compete on home soil.
“The decision reflects our commitment to world-class football, bringing the best African players from all over the world back to compete on the continent,” he added.
Details on the format or timeline for accommodating the four additional teams were not provided. Since 2019, AFCON has featured 24 nations, following its expansion from 16 teams.
Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 finals will go ahead as planned in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with a second edition scheduled for 2028 before the tournament adopts a four-year cycle.
He also outlined plans to reshape the continental calendar, including a new CAF Nations League launching in 2029. The competition will feature a 16-team finals tournament held every two years.
“We must end the unpredictability of African fixtures. Football in East Africa has immense potential and must be developed consistently,” Motsepe said.
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