Major Overhaul for African Football

African football is undergoing a significant transformation as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announces a new four-year cycle for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the creation of the African Nations League (ANL). The announcement was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe during a press conference on the eve of the 2025 AFCON, which is being hosted by Morocco.

Motsepe described the changes as a major step toward increasing the competitiveness and visibility of African football both on the continent and internationally.

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Africa Cup of Nations Adjusts Calendar

The AFCON 2027, set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, will proceed as planned. However, the subsequent edition, originally scheduled for 2029, will now be held in 2028, with the next tournament taking place in 2032.

This adjustment establishes a four-year cycle for AFCON, aligning it with other major international football tournaments and providing a more structured schedule for participating nations and players.

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Introduction of the African Nations League

CAF also unveiled plans for the African Nations League, a new continental competition aimed at giving African players, including those playing in Europe and around the world, more opportunities to compete on home soil.

The inaugural African Nations League is scheduled for 2029 and will involve all 54 CAF member nations, divided into four geographical zones. Matches will be held in September and October, culminating in finals in November.

Motsepe emphasized the importance of the new competition, stating:

“What is new is that … in Africa there’s going to be a competition every year where the best African players who play in Europe and worldwide will be with us on the continent.”

CAF has yet to clarify whether the African Nations League will be an annual or biennial tournament, but the move represents a significant shift in African football scheduling and competition.

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Implications for African Football

The introduction of a four-year AFCON cycle, combined with the African Nations League, is expected to:

• Provide more consistent competitive opportunities for African players.
• Increase the visibility and marketability of African football internationally.
• Allow nations to better plan and develop squads between major tournaments.
• Enhance the profile of continental football and attract global sponsorships.

Football fans across Africa can look forward to a more structured, competitive, and exciting calendar in the coming decade.

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Conclusion: A New Era for African Football

CAF’s restructuring of AFCON and the creation of the African Nations League mark a historic shift in African football. With tournaments now scheduled in a clear four-year cycle and the prospect of an annual continental competition, African nations and players will enjoy increased exposure and development opportunities, signaling a bright future for football across the continent.