In a surprising turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant change to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), moving the tournament to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition. This decision, revealed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe on Saturday, marks a departure from the biennial format that has been a staple of African football since 1957.

Motsepe made the announcement in Rabat, Morocco, on the eve of the 35th edition of AFCON, which is being hosted by Morocco. He explained that the move is part of a broader restructuring of the international game on the continent, aiming to better synchronize with the FIFA calendar and optimize the commercial and sporting value of African competitions.

The next edition of AFCON, scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will proceed as planned, followed by another tournament in 2028. After 2028, the tournament will officially switch to a four-year cycle.

To fill the gap created by the extended intervals between AFCON tournaments, CAF plans to launch an annual African Nations League in 2029, drawing inspiration from the UEFA Nations League. Motsepe stated that this new league would provide more financial resources and increased competition, ensuring that there is an African competition every year from September to November during FIFA dates. The goal is to replace friendly matches with more competitive and lucrative encounters.

The decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle was met with mixed reactions. While the biennial tournament has been a vital source of revenue for African national associations, its timing has often clashed with the European club season, leading to disputes over player releases. Moving the tournament to a mid-year slot was attempted in 2019, but subsequent editions in Cameroon (2022) and Côte d'Ivoire (2024) were again held at the beginning of the year. This year's tournament in Morocco was also shifted to accommodate FIFA's expanded Club World Cup.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco, will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This edition will be the first to be played over the Christmas and New Year period. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 16. The final is scheduled for January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

CAF has also announced an increase in prize money for the AFCON winners, from $7 million to $10 million. The move to a four-year cycle and the introduction of the African Nations League represent a significant shift in CAF's strategy, aiming to align African football with global standards and enhance its financial sustainability.