Two-year rhythm restored

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reinstated the Africa Cup of Nations on a two-year cycle, reversing its decision to hold the tournament every four years. The confirmation, reported on Friday 30 October, ends a period of uncertainty over the scheduling of African football's flagship competition.

Under the restored cycle, the next AFCON will be held in 2027, hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, followed by tournaments in 2028, 2031 and 2033. There will be no tournament in 2030, when the FIFA World Cup takes place.

What it means for hosts and fans

The return to two years restores the rhythm African football has followed for most of the tournament's history, giving host nations a clearer planning horizon and fans a regular continental championship between World Cups. The 2027 edition, spread across three East African hosts, will be the first test of the restored cycle.

CAF has not, in the reporting so far, set out a detailed reason for reversing the four-year plan beyond confirming the structural change. Further details on qualification and scheduling for the 2028 edition are expected to follow.

Sources: CAF via OkayAfrica | The Profiler