CAF backtracking: Africa Cup of Nations could return to biennial format

CAF president Motsepe is reconsidering a return to biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, less than a year after switching to a four-year cycle.

The Confederation of African Football is reviewing its tournament calendar after significant backlash. In December 2025, CAF announced the Africa Cup of Nations would move to a four-year cycle from 2028 onwards to align with global football schedules. However, at Friday's general assembly in Cape Verde, CAF president Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the possibility of reverting to biennial tournaments. Reports suggest the shift to quadrennial format cost the confederation around $1 billion in lost revenue. The next Africa Cup of Nations will take place from June 19 to July 18, 2027, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.