African football’s flagship tournament will again be staged every two years, after the Confederation of African Football reversed a decision taken only months ago to move to a four-year cycle.
CAF had announced the change in December, but confirmed the U-turn following a review.
The governing body had also explored launching an African Nations League as a biennial replacement, yet conceded that such a competition would need several years before generating enough income to stand on its own.
Patrice Motsepe, the CAF President, framed the executive committee’s decision as a way to “advance, protect and promote” the interests of African football, its 54 member associations and African players based outside the continent.
The biennial format has repeatedly clashed with the international calendar, as most recent editions have been played in the middle of the European club season.
Fifa’s enlarged 32-team Club World Cup, held last June and July, further constrained Caf’s scheduling options and pushed the organisation toward mid-season dates.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will co-host the next edition in 2027. Further tournaments are set for 2028, 2031 and 2033, with no Afcon in 2030 because of the World Cup.
The announcement follows a chaotic period for the competition: Senegal won the 2025 final, only to be stripped of the title three months later, with Morocco awarded the trophy instead.
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