CAF EXPANDS AFCON TO 28 TEAMS AS MOTSEPE UNVEILS NEW FORMAT PLANS
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will be expanded from 24 to 28 teams, HOTJIST reports.
Motsepe made the disclosure on Sunday during a press conference following an executive committee meeting, stating that the move reflects the organization’s “commitment to world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent.”
He, however, did not provide details on how the tournament format would accommodate the additional four teams or when the expansion would take effect.
The last four editions of the tournament featured 24 teams, after it was increased from 16 participants in 2019.
Motsepe also confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals will be held as scheduled in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, while another edition is planned for 2028, after which the competition will be staged every four years.
In addition, CAF is set to introduce a Nations League in 2029, with a 16-team final tournament to be held every two years.
Speaking on the broader strategy, he said, “We have to stop this thing of African fixtures not being predictable, consistent, and reliable. We must develop football in East Africa, which is an area of much potential.”
The announcement represents CAF’s latest effort to expand the reach of its flagship competition and provide more opportunities for emerging national teams to compete at the highest level.
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