The Confederation of African Football has announced major revisions to its tournament calendar, introducing the African Nations League and altering the schedule of the Africa Cup of Nations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the announcement at a press conference ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup in Morocco.
The Africa Cup of Nations, which was previously held every two years, will now be staged every four years. The 2027 edition, to be co‑hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, will go ahead as planned. The tournament that had been slated for 2029 has been moved forward to 2028, and the subsequent edition will take place in 2032.
The new calendar also creates space for the inaugural African Nations League, set to debut in 2029. All 54 African member associations will take part, divided into four geographical zones. Matches are scheduled for September and October, with the finals in November. Motsepe said the competition will give top African players—whether they play in Europe or elsewhere—a continental stage each year, allowing the continent’s best talent to showcase their skills in a competitive and exciting format.
CAF officials have not yet confirmed whether the African Nations League will be held annually or biennially, but its introduction marks a significant development for African football. These changes aim to reinvigorate the sport, enhance competitiveness, and provide fans with a more consistent and engaging calendar featuring the continent’s top teams and players. As the African football landscape evolves, the new schedule is expected to boost the sport’s growth and popularity across the continent.
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