The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially decided to make the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bigger than ever before.
Patrice Motsepe, the CAF President, broke the news on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This came right after a key meeting with the federation's executive committee. He confirmed that the tournament will now feature 28 teams, moving up from the 24-team format we’ve seen recently.
According to Motsepe, this isn't just about numbers; it is about quality. He explained that CAF is determined to bring the best African players from every corner of the globe to compete right here on the continent. The goal is to ensure African football stays world-class.
However, there are still a few questions left unanswered. The CAF boss didn't explain how the groups will work with four extra teams. He also hasn't given a specific date for when this new 28-team rule will officially begin.
This isn't the first time the tournament has grown. AFCON moved from 16 teams to 24 back in 2019. This latest jump shows how much the game is expanding across the continent.
For those looking forward to the next few years, the roadmap is clear. The 2027 edition is still set to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. There will also be another tournament in 2028.
The biggest change, however, comes after 2028. CAF plans to move the AFCON to a fixed four-year cycle. This means instead of every two years, we will see the continent's best battle it out once every four years, similar to the World Cup and the Euros.
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