CAIRO – The Africa Cup of Nations will grow from 24 to 28 teams, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe revealed on March 29, signaling a push for broader participation and world-class competition on the continent.
Motsepe made the unexpected announcement at a press conference after an executive committee meeting. He framed it as proof of CAF’s dedication to showcasing top African talent, though he skipped details on the new format or rollout timeline.
The tournament has featured 24 teams in its last four editions, up from 16 before 2019. Motsepe confirmed the 2027 finals remain on track in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, followed by a 2028 edition before shifting to a quadrennial schedule.
CAF also plans an annual Nations League starting 2029, culminating in a 16-team finals every two years. “We must end unpredictable African fixtures and build football in East Africa, a region brimming with potential,” Motsepe emphasized, highlighting the need for consistency and development.