The president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, announced on Sunday that the Africa Cup of Nations will increase from 24 to 28 teams, according to reports.
Speaking at a press conference following an executive committee meeting, Motsepe said the expansion reflects CAF’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 will accommodate the four additional teams or specify when the change will take effect. The previous four editions of the tournament 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 that, the competition will be held every four years.
CAF also plans to launch a Nations League in 2029, which will feature a 16-team final tournament held every two years, Motsepe added.
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.”
This announcement is the latest move by CAF to expand Africa’s premier tournament and create more opportunities for emerging national teams to compete at the highest level.