The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is planning a significant overhaul of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with changes expected to take effect from the 2027 edition.
The proposal is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at expanding participation, improving competitiveness, and aligning African football with global standards.
What Is Changing?
The headline reform is an expansion of the tournament:
AFCON will increase from 24 to 28 teams
This opens the door for more nations to compete at the continent’s premier football competition
How Will the New Format Work?
Under the proposed structure:
The 28 teams will be divided into seven groups of four teams each
Each team will play three group-stage matches
Although CAF has not yet confirmed the full knockout structure, the expectation is:
Group winners and the best-performing teams will progress to the knockout rounds
The format may be adjusted to accommodate the uneven number of groups
Who Will Host AFCON 2027?
The 2027 tournament will be staged across three countries:
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
This joint bid, known as the “Pamoja” partnership, will make AFCON 2027 the first edition hosted by three nations.
Will the AFCON Calendar Change?
CAF is also considering a shift in how often AFCON is held:
The competition could move from a biennial tournament to a four-year cycle
Transitional editions may still occur close together before the full switch is implemented
What About Qualification?
The qualification process is also expected to be revised:
Teams will be grouped into smaller pools of three or four nations
Group winners will qualify automatically
Best runners-up will also secure places
Remaining qualification spots may be decided via play-offs.
Is Prize Money Increasing?
Yes. CAF has already taken steps to improve financial rewards:
The winner’s prize money is set to rise from $7 million to $10 million
This is part of efforts to enhance the competition’s global appeal
What Is the African Nations League?
As part of the wider reform package, CAF is proposing a new competition:
The African Nations League will involve all 54 member associations
Teams will be grouped into regional zones
The competition is expected to be held annually, with a continental champion crowned after regional playoffs
Why Is CAF Making These Changes?
CAF’s proposed reforms are driven by several key objectives:
Broader inclusion: Giving more countries access to top-level competition
Commercial growth;
:Increasing sponsorship, broadcasting value, and global interest
Calendar alignment: Bringing African football closer to international scheduling standards
What Happens Next?
The expansion and associated reforms are still subject to final approval and detailed implementation plans.
CAF is expected to clarify outstanding issues—particularly the knockout format and qualification pathways—in the lead-up to AFCON 2027.
These changes, would mark one of the most significant transformations in AFCON history, reshaping how the tournament is played, scheduled, and experienced across the continent.
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