The Confederation of African Football has unveiled plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 participating countries, a proposal that could significantly reshape the structure of Africa’s flagship football tournament.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the disclosure during a press briefing in Tanzania, where he confirmed that the governing body is considering both an expansion of the tournament and a shift to a four year cycle. According to him, the move is aimed at strengthening competitiveness, widening participation, and enhancing the global appeal of African football.
Motsepe described the Africa Cup of Nations as one of the continent’s most important sporting events and emphasized the need to adapt it to meet modern demands. He stated that increasing the number of participating nations would provide more countries with the opportunity to compete at the highest level while promoting the development of football across Africa.
The Africa Cup of Nations has undergone several changes over the decades. The tournament, which began in 1957 with just three teams, gradually expanded to 16 nations and later to 24. The most recent expansion to 24 teams was introduced to improve representation and give emerging football nations a realistic chance to compete on the continental stage. The proposed increase to 28 teams represents the next step in that progression.
CAF believes that broader participation will stimulate growth within member associations. Smaller footballing nations, many of which have struggled to break into the final tournament, would benefit from exposure to elite competition. Increased representation is also expected to deepen fan engagement, as more countries would have direct involvement in the championship.
In addition to expanding the number of teams, CAF is proposing that the Africa Cup of Nations be held every four years instead of its current two year cycle. The adjustment is expected to address longstanding concerns about fixture congestion, particularly for African players competing in European and other international leagues. A four year schedule would align the tournament more closely with other major global competitions and could ease tensions between club and country commitments.
Motsepe indicated that a longer cycle would give national teams more time to prepare, build cohesion, and develop long term strategies. Technical teams would have a broader window to scout talent and strengthen their squads, potentially raising the overall standard of competition. Host countries would also benefit from extended preparation periods, allowing for improved infrastructure planning, stadium readiness, and logistical coordination.
Despite the optimism surrounding the proposal, some observers have raised concerns about the practical implications of expanding the tournament. Increasing the number of teams will demand additional venues, accommodation capacity, and travel arrangements. Questions have also been raised about maintaining competitive balance, with critics cautioning that rapid expansion must be carefully managed to preserve the tournament’s quality and prestige.
CAF officials are expected to engage in consultations with member associations and other stakeholders before finalizing the new structure. Discussions will focus on qualification formats, group stage arrangements, commercial considerations, and scheduling frameworks. Any changes will require formal approval through CAF’s established governance processes.
If adopted, the 28 team format would mark a historic shift in the structure of the Africa Cup of Nations. It would further solidify the tournament’s role as a unifying force on the continent and reinforce its position as Africa’s premier football competition.
The proposal reflects CAF’s broader ambition to modernize the administration of African football. In recent years, the organization has pursued reforms aimed at improving governance standards, boosting financial transparency, and increasing commercial viability. Expanding AFCON forms part of this strategic direction, with the objective of strengthening both the sporting and economic foundations of the game across Africa.
Ultimately, the decision will shape the future trajectory of the tournament. While challenges remain, the potential benefits in terms of inclusivity, development, and international visibility are significant. As consultations continue, stakeholders across the continent will be closely watching the next steps in what could become one of the most consequential reforms in the history of African football.
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