Nairobi: Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has announced the potential expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams. This development was revealed during a press conference following a CAF executive committee meeting, though details regarding the tournament’s structure and the timeline for this expansion remain unspecified.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the AFCON was previously expanded from 16 to 24 teams in 2019. Despite the possible changes, Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 tournament will proceed as planned, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Following an additional edition in 2028, the competition is set to transition to a four-year cycle.
Motsepe also shared plans for CAF to introduce a new national league competition in 2029. This league will be held annually, with a 16-team finals tournament occurring every two years. These initiatives underscore CAF’s dedication to fostering world-class football and encouraging the return of top African players to the continent.
Motsepe, who became the first South African to lead CAF, was elected president in 2021 and re-elected in 2025. His leadership aims to enhance the quality and reach of African football.