…Says It Will Give Smaller Nations Opportunity
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled bold plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to 28 teams, a move that could redefine the battle for continental supremacy.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the announcement during a press briefing in Tanzania, confirming that the expanded tournament would run on a four-year cycle.
Motsepe declared “The AFCON as we know it now is one of Africa’s most important sporting events,”.
He added “We want to increase it to 28 countries and hold it every four years. This will allow more nations to compete at the highest level, showcase their talent, and contribute to the growth of African football.”
If approved, the expansion will open the door for more emerging football nations to step onto Africa’s grandest stage, rubbing shoulders with the continent’s heavyweights and chasing history under brighter lights.
CAF believes the move will ignite fresh rivalries, deepen competition, and widen the tournament’s global appeal.
More teams mean more stories, more drama, and more heroes in the making.
For smaller footballing nations, it’s a shot at relevance; for fans, it’s a broader feast of African flair.
The proposed four-year cycle is also designed to raise the stakes. With more time to build squads, sharpen tactics, and develop talent, national teams are expected to arrive better prepared and potentially elevating the overall quality of the spectacle.
Still, the ambitious plan has sparked debate. Questions around scheduling, travel demands, and maintaining competitive balance in a larger field remain on the table.
CAF officials will now consult with member associations and stakeholders to fine-tune the format, qualification process, and logistics.
African football is thinking bigger and should the 28-team vision become reality, AFCON will enter a new era — broader, bolder, and brimming with opportunity.