By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams, marking a major shift aimed at increasing participation and competitiveness across the continent.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the decision as part of a broader vision to elevate African football and provide more opportunities for the continent’s top talents. The expansion is expected to take effect after the 2027 edition, with discussions ongoing about a new format that could feature seven groups of four teams.
According to Motsepe, the move reflects CAF’s “commitment to world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent.”
In addition to the AFCON expansion, CAF intends to introduce a new Nations League-style competition starting in 2029. The tournament will involve 16 teams and culminate in a final competition held every two years, offering more regular high-level competitive matches for African nations.
The announcements were made during the CAF Congress in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday, March 29, 2026. These reforms are expected to reshape the future of African football by creating more competitive fixtures and giving emerging talents greater exposure on the continental stage.
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