The Africa Cup of Nations will be expanded from 24 to 28 teams from the 2027 edition, in a major shake-up to the continent’s premier football tournament confirmed by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Dr Patrice Motsepe.
The revamped competition will debut at the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly staged by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania – the first time the finals have ever been hosted in East Africa.
Dr Motsepe said the decision was driven by a desire to increase opportunities for African national teams and to accelerate the growth of the showpiece event.
New format: 28 teams, seven groups of four
Under the new structure, 28 teams will qualify for the finals instead of the current 24.
The sides will be split into seven groups of four for the group phase. The top two in each group will progress automatically to the knockout rounds, making 14 teams, with the remaining two places in the last 16 going to the best third-placed teams across all groups.
This mirrors the approach already used in some expanded international tournaments, but introduces a new twist for AFCON by basing the Round of 16 on seven groups rather than six.
CAF previously expanded the competition from 16 to 24 teams for the 2019 tournament in Egypt. Officials believe the latest increase will deepen competition and open the door to more emerging football nations.
CAF aims to boost competitiveness and visibility
CAF argues that bringing more countries into the finals will both raise the standard of play and broaden the tournament’s reach.
The governing body says the adjustment is designed to “provide more opportunities for national teams across the continent” and give additional nations the chance to “experience the prestige of competing on Africa’s biggest football platform”.
Dr Motsepe reiterated CAF’s ambition to lift the profile of African football globally and to strengthen the commercial value of its flagship event. He said plans are already being advanced to enhance the overall experience of the tournament for players, supporters, broadcasters and sponsors.
Historic first for East Africa
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are preparing to share hosting duties for the 2027 finals, marking the first time AFCON will be held in East Africa.
The joint bid is expected to drive investment in stadiums and infrastructure across the three nations as they ready themselves for what CAF describes as a “continental showpiece”.
Regional organisers are likely to face a tight timetable to meet CAF’s requirements, particularly with the tournament now accommodating four extra teams, additional matches and more visiting supporters.
Qualification battle to begin this year
Qualifying for the expanded 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to begin later this year, with countries from all five CAF regions set to vie for a spot at the enlarged finals.
The race to reach the tournament will take on added significance, with the extra four berths offering new hope to nations that have previously struggled to reach the finals.
CAF is expected to release a detailed qualification schedule and match calendar in due course, as the countdown to a reshaped and historic AFCON in East Africa gathers pace.
