The Confederation of African Football has unveiled significant changes to its tournament calendar, including the introduction of the African Nations League and a revised schedule for the Africa Cup of Nations. The announcement was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe during a press conference ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup in Morocco.
The Africa Cup of Nations, previously held every two years, will now be staged every four years. The 2027 edition, set to be hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, will proceed as planned, while the subsequent tournament, initially scheduled for 2029, has been brought forward to 2028. The next Africa Cup after that will take place in 2032.
The revamped calendar creates an opportunity for the inaugural African Nations League, which is slated to debut in 2029. The competition will feature all 54 African member associations, divided into four geographical zones, with matches scheduled for September and October, followed by the finals in November. According to Motsepe, the new tournament will provide a platform for top African players competing in Europe and worldwide to participate in a continental competition every year.
The African Nations League is expected to bring together the best of African football, with the continent’s top players showcasing their skills in a competitive and exciting format. While CAF officials have not yet confirmed whether the tournament will be held annually or biennially, the introduction of the African Nations League marks a significant development in African football.
The changes to the Africa Cup of Nations and the introduction of the African Nations League are part of CAF’s efforts to reinvigorate and enhance the competitiveness of African football. With the new tournament schedule, fans can look forward to a more consistent and engaging football calendar, featuring the continent’s top teams and players. As the African football landscape continues to evolve, these changes are expected to have a profound impact on the sport’s growth and popularity across the continent.