The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Africa’s biggest football tournament, will be held every four years from 2028. This was announced by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe.

Since 1968, AFCON has taken place every two years, with only a brief one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions. 

But after the 2027 tournament in East Africa and a special 2028 edition, the tournament will switch to a four-year cycle. The new schedule will align AFCON with the European Championships, helping African football better fit into the global calendar.

Motsepe said the change comes as part of a plan to create a more exciting and organised structure for African football. “I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised,” he said.

The 2025 AFCON in Morocco will be played over Christmas and New Year for the first time, with the final set for 18 January. The unusual timing is due to clashes with Europe’s club season and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Future editions will also consider weather conditions and the football calendar to avoid similar issues.

CAF has also increased the prize money for the winners of AFCON, from $7 million (£5.2m) to $10 million (£7.5m), showing the tournament’s growing prestige.

In addition to changing AFCON’s schedule, CAF plans to introduce a new annual competition: the African Nations League. Starting in 2029, this league will feature all 54 CAF member nations, divided into four zones. Teams will play in September and October, with regional champions meeting in November to decide an overall winner. 

Motsepe described it as “the equivalent of an AFCON every year,” with Europe-based stars expected to participate regularly.

The shift to a four-year AFCON and the creation of the African Nations League signal a major transformation for African football. Fans can expect better planning, more competitive matches, and more opportunities to watch top players compete on the continent every year.