CAF Announces Expansion of Africa Cup of Nations to 28 Teams Starting in 2027
In a recent statement, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will grow from 24 to 28 participating nations beginning with the 2027 tournament. The expanded edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with matches scheduled from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Motsepe explained that the increase aligns with CAF’s broader strategy to develop the competition further, following the decision to shift AFCON from a biennial to a quadrennial cycle. He noted that the change aims to give more African teams the opportunity to compete on the continent’s premier stage while maintaining the tournament’s prestige.
Tournament Format and Group Structure
Under the new 28‑team format, the group stage will consist of seven groups of four teams each. The top two sides from each group, along with the four best third‑placed teams, will advance to the knockout phase. CAF indicated that details of the qualification pathway will be released in the coming months.
Qualification Windows for the 2027 AFCON
The road to the 2027 finals will be contested across three FIFA international windows:
- September 21 – October 6, 2026
- November 9 – November 17, 2026
- March 22 – March 30, 2027
These windows are designed to minimise disruption to club calendars while providing national teams adequate preparation time. CAF has partnered with member associations to ensure that fixtures are spread evenly across the continent.
Increased Prize Money for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Motsepe also used the announcement to highlight a significant boost in financial rewards for the women’s competition. For the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the champion will receive US $2 million, doubling the previous award of US $1 million. Additionally, each of the 16 teams that qualify for the tournament will earn a minimum of US $150,000.
This move reflects CAF’s commitment to closing the gender gap in African football and providing greater support to women’s national programs.
Motsepe’s Views on African Performance at the 2026 World Cup and FIFA Leadership
Commenting on the recent FIFA World Cup, Motsepe praised the performances of African squads, noting that several teams exceeded expectations and showcased the continent’s growing talent pool. He reiterated his personal endorsement of FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the upcoming FIFA election, citing Infantino’s efforts to promote inclusivity and investment in African football.
Context and Implications
The expansion to 28 teams marks the first major increase in AFCON size since the tournament moved to 24 participants in 2019. By allowing four additional nations to qualify, CAF hopes to:
- Encourage investment in grassroots and youth development across more member associations.
- Boost the commercial appeal of the tournament through a broader fan base and increased match inventory.
- Strengthen continental unity by giving more countries a chance to experience the AFCON atmosphere.
- Confederation of African Football. “CAF President Patrice Motsepe Confirms AFCON Expansion to 28 Teams for 2027.” cafonline.com, accessed November 2025.
- FIFA. “Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Prize Money Increased for 2026 Edition.” fifa.com, accessed November 2025.
- Reuters. “African Nations Show Improved Form at 2026 World Cup.” reuters.com, accessed November 2025.
Industry analysts suggest that the larger format could also raise broadcasting revenues and sponsorship interest, provided that competitive balance is maintained. CAF has stated that it will monitor the impact of the change closely and adjust qualification criteria if necessary.
