The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its plan to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, confirming that the tournament will continue on a two-year cycle.

The decision was unanimously approved by the CAF Executive Committee following the organisation’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, held from October 7 to 9, 2026. CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the development.

CAF had previously proposed moving AFCON to a four-year schedule and introducing a new Africa Nations League to be played every two years.

However, Motsepe said the governing body reconsidered the plan because the proposed competition would take several years to generate the financial resources needed to support football development and make CAF competitions globally competitive and financially sustainable.

He said the decision to retain the biennial format was based on protecting the interests of African football, CAF’s 54 member associations and African players employed by clubs outside the continent.

Under the revised calendar, the next AFCON will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the tournament.

Subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033. CAF said the schedule would ensure that the final tournaments do not coincide with the FIFA World Cup.

Motsepe expressed confidence in the three East African countries’ ability to deliver a successful 2027 competition, describing AFCON as an important platform for showcasing African football and celebrating the continent’s diverse cultures.

He said retaining the two-year cycle would promote the growth of football across Africa and strengthen the organisation’s member associations.

The decision marks a reversal of CAF’s earlier competition calendar plan and confirms AFCON’s continued position as the continent’s flagship national team tournament.