The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has asked its 54 member associations to say whether the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should continue every two years or move to a four-year cycle.
Associations have until Wednesday, 28 October, to submit their views. Early indications suggest many may support retaining the biennial tournament, although the responses will feed into wider discussions about AFCON’s future.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced plans in December 2025 to move the competition to a four-year schedule from 2028. The proposal is part of a broader review of African football competitions and an attempt to reduce pressure on an increasingly congested international calendar.
Reported opposition to the change has renewed debate about the tournament’s effect on football development, national associations and CAF’s finances.
Arguments for retaining the two-year cycle
Supporters of a biennial AFCON say regular editions create important sporting and economic opportunities across the continent.
Holding the tournament more frequently allows more countries to host it and invest in stadiums, training facilities, transport networks and other infrastructure. Host nations can also benefit from tourism, investment and job creation, while local businesses gain from the arrival of teams, officials, supporters and international visitors.
For national teams and players, the existing schedule provides more regular opportunities to compete for the continental title and represent their countries at the highest level. It can also encourage national associations to strengthen their football structures and invest in their teams.
CAF and its members benefit from recurring opportunities to attract sponsors, broadcasters and a global audience. Those advantages must, however, be balanced against the demands of an increasingly crowded calendar and the commitments of players based at clubs around the world.
A four-year cycle would bring AFCON closer to the scheduling of major international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the European Championship. Supporters of the change could argue that it would give organisers more time to prepare each edition and reduce pressure on players and clubs.
The trade-off would be fewer tournaments over time, limiting hosting opportunities and reducing how often national teams can challenge for the continental crown. The change would affect players, coaches, associations, sponsors and supporters who view AFCON as a major showcase for African football.
Proposal to be considered in Nigeria
The issue is expected to feature prominently at the CAF General Assembly in Nigeria on 21 November. Motsepe is reportedly expected to put the proposal to a vote, giving member associations the opportunity to decide between the two-year and four-year formats.
The meeting may also consider other competitions, including the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is for players competing in their domestic leagues. Maintaining opportunities for locally based players and coaches is another factor in the wider discussion.
CAF has warned associations that moving AFCON to a four-year cycle would have financial consequences. Reducing the frequency of its flagship tournament would create a need for another competition capable of generating revenue for CAF and its 54 members.
One option is the Africa Nations League Pan African, which would provide an alternative platform for national teams and, according to the proposal, be staged every two years in a format similar to AFCON.
CAF has cautioned that the competition could take several years to generate significant income. That could leave the governing body and its members facing reduced revenue if AFCON changes before the proposed replacement becomes commercially established.
The associations’ responses by Wednesday, 28 October, will help determine whether AFCON preserves its traditional rhythm or moves to a four-year schedule from 2028.
