The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year format starting in 2028, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the announcement in Morocco ahead of the opening match of the 35th edition, with hosts Morocco set to face Comoros. First held in 1957, AFCON is CAF’s flagship tournament, generating an estimated 80 percent of the confederation’s revenue.

Motsepe clarified that the 2027 finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will proceed as planned, followed by the 2028 edition. From then on, the tournament will be held every four years.

“Historically, the Nations Cup was our prime resource, but now we will have financial resources every year,” Motsepe said. “This new structure contributes to sustainable financial independence and better alignment with the FIFA calendar.”

The idea of reducing AFCON’s frequency had been suggested by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but CAF initially resisted due to its reliance on tournament revenue. The latest decision follows consultations with Infantino and FIFA’s General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, reflecting a necessary compromise.

“The new structure is exciting for African football,” Motsepe added. “We act in Africa’s best interests while ensuring the global calendar is harmonized.”

AFCON’s scheduling has long conflicted with European domestic seasons. Although CAF moved the tournament to June–July in 2019, factors such as weather, the Covid-19 pandemic, and FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup have repeatedly forced adjustments. As a result, the 2025 finals in Morocco will run over Christmas and New Year, with the final on January 18, 2026.

In addition, CAF has increased the winners’ prize money from $7 million to $10 million. Dates for the 2027 finals in East Africa are yet to be confirmed, and the hosts for the 2028 edition have not been announced.