The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced a major change in the organization of continental football: from the 2028 edition, the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will no longer be played every two years, but every four years.

This historic decision was announced in Rabat by CAF President Patrice Motsepe on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kick-off in Morocco. It marks a turning point for the continent's flagship competition, which has been held every two years since 1968.

According to CAF, this reform is part of an effort to harmonize the calendars of African nations with those of international football, which are often saturated by club competitions. The governing body also intends to reduce recurring tensions between national teams and European clubs, who face the loss of key players mid-season during the winter editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

After the tournaments scheduled for 2027 (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) and 2028, the new four-year rhythm will be definitively established, aligning the AFCON with the model of other major international competitions such as the Euro or the World Cup.

In parallel, CAF is considering launching an African Nations League which would fill the competition periods between national teams, in order to maintain a high level of activity and visibility for the continent's national teams.

This transformation comes amidst a climate of ambition and restructuring within African football, which seeks to enhance its appeal, modernize its competitions, and increase its revenue. It also raises a debate about the sporting and economic impact of a less frequent, but potentially more intense and higher-value, Africa Cup of Nations.

A new chapter is beginning for African football, with a future now punctuated by an AFCON every four years from 2028 onwards.