The CAF Executive Committee reportedly confirmed on Thursday 29 October 2026 the return of the Africa Cup of Nations to a two-year cycle. The news was reported by journalist Micky Jnr, with no official statement at this stage.
The CAF Executive Committee reportedly confirmed on Thursday 29 October 2026 the return of the Africa Cup of Nations to a two-year cycle. The news, reported by African journalist Micky Jnr and picked up by Chinese outlet 直播吧, has not yet been accompanied by an official text: CAF must still issue a statement to ratify the decision.
The change of direction comes after the announcement made in December 2025 of an AFCON every four years after 2028, with an African Nations League from 2029. The plan had drawn criticism. The 54 member associations had until Wednesday 28 October to submit their position on the frequency of the competition.
A large majority of associations back a two-year cycle
According to Winwin, relayed by Footafrica.net, around 90% of member associations reportedly wrote to CAF to recommend an AFCON every two years. The figure has not been confirmed by the governing body.
The Egyptian Football Association officially backed a return to the two-year cycle, citing marketing and financial risks. The Algerian Football Association also supports the format and is calling for the African Nations League project to be scrapped.
Faced with these positions, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said, according to Afroballers via Footafrica.net: “We will make the right decision.”
Morocco’s viewing figures as the argument
Defending his record, Patrice Motsepe said in Doha that the AFCON in Morocco was followed by 3.5 billion people across 180 countries and generated 6.2 billion digital views, according to the QNA news agency. These viewing figures, put forward by the CAF president himself, are at the heart of the case for a more frequent tournament.
What lies ahead for CAF
Publication of the official statement is the immediate deadline, with no date known at this stage. Another step follows: the CAF General Assembly, scheduled for Abuja on 21 November 2026, according to Footafrica.net.
Meanwhile, fixtures already in place remain. AFCON 2027 is still scheduled for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. In July, CAF opened the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions, on the basis of the four-year plan.