The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its previous decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, confirming that the continental showpiece will return to a biennial format.
The CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) unanimously approved the decision, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe announcing the development following the organisation’s Strategy Conference held in Cabo Verde from October 7 to 9, 2026.
The decision follows a reassessment of CAF’s earlier plan to move AFCON to a four-year cycle and introduce a new Africa Nations League as a replacement competition to be staged every two years.
According to CAF, the proposed Nations League would require several years before generating the substantial financial resources needed to support the development of African football and make its competitions globally competitive and financially self-sustaining.