CAF Expands Africa Cup of Nations to 28 Teams

The Confederation of African Football has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will be expanded from 24 to 28 teams.

President Patrice Motsepe revealed the decision on Sunday following an executive committee meeting, stating that the move reflects the organisation’s commitment to showcasing top-tier football with the continent’s best players.

Motsepe did not, however, provide details on how the tournament format would accommodate the four additional teams or specify when the expansion would take effect.

The last four editions of the biennial competition featured 24 teams, following an increase from 16 participants in 2019.

Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 finals will proceed as scheduled in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. A second tournament is planned for 2028, after which the competition will be staged every four years.

CAF also intends to launch a Nations League in 2029, featuring a 16-team final tournament held every two years, he added.

Speaking on the broader strategy, Motsepe emphasised the need for predictability in African football fixtures and highlighted efforts to develop the sport in East Africa, which he described as an area of significant potential.

The expansion marks the latest effort by CAF to broaden the reach of Africa’s flagship football tournament and create more opportunities for emerging national teams.