CAF to expand AFCON to 28 teams

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe, on Sunday, announced that the governing body will increase the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to 28 teams from 24.

Speaking at a press conference after an executive committee meeting, Motsepe said the expansion reflected his organisation’s “commitment to world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent.”

He did not, however, provide details on how the tournament format would accommodate the four additional teams or when the change would take effect.

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The last four editions of the Cup of Nations featured 24 teams, following an increase from 16 participants in 2019.

Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 finals will go ahead as planned in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, while a second tournament is scheduled for 2028, after which the competition will be staged every four years.

CAF also plans to launch a Nations League in 2029, featuring a 16-team final tournament held every two years, Motsepe added.

Speaking on the broader strategy, he said, “We have to stop this thing of African fixtures not being predictable, consistent and reliable. We must develop football in East Africa, which is an area of much potential.”

The announcement marks the latest attempt by CAF to expand the reach of Africa’s flagship tournament and create more opportunities for emerging national teams to compete at the highest level.