CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced a major shift in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule during a press briefing on Saturday.

CAF President

In a landmark decision, AFCON will transition to a four-year cycle beginning in 2028, ending its long-standing biennial tradition.

The announcement from Motsepe marks a historic change for Africa’s premier football competition, which has followed a two-year format since its inception in 1968.

While the tournament maintained this frequency for decades, adjustments were made occasionally, such as the unusual one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

Following the 2027 tournament hosted in East Africa, the new four-year cadence will commence.

“We’re ushering in a transformative era for African football,” declared Motsepe.

“Every decision serves African interests—our goal is full synchronization with the international football calendar.”