The Digest:
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams and shift the tournament to a four-year cycle starting after 2028. Speaking after a CAF executive committee meeting in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Motsepe said the move aims to increase competitiveness and allow more nations to shine on the continental stage. The tournament currently features 24 teams, expanded from 16 in recent editions. Motsepe did not provide details on how the additional four teams would be accommodated in the format. The decision to hold AFCON every four years, announced in December, had sparked criticism. Motsepe expressed confidence that 2027 co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda "will deliver a good tournament."
Key Points:
- The expansion allows more African nations to participate in the continent's flagship football tournament.
- It increases opportunities for smaller footballing nations to gain exposure and competitive experience.
- Emerging football nations gain pathway to continental competition, while traditional powers face broader field.
- This signals CAF's commitment to inclusivity and development across its 54 member associations.
- The timing, with the four-year cycle starting after 2028, allows gradual planning and format refinement.
The expanded 28-team AFCON and quadrennial schedule represent significant structural changes aimed at growing African football's competitiveness and reach.
Sources: Vanguard, CAF Executive Committee
