The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will expand from 24 to 28 teams beginning with the 2027 edition.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision during a press conference in South Africa on Wednesday, saying the move is aimed at giving more African nations the opportunity to compete at the continent’s flagship tournament.
Under the new structure, the tournament will feature seven groups of four teams each, with the top two sides from every group advancing to the round of 16. How the remaining two knockout stage slots will be filled has not yet been determined.
The current 24-team format has been in place since 2019, when CAF expanded the tournament from 16 teams. The latest increase to 28 represents the most significant structural change to the competition in years.
Motsepe said the decision reflected his organisation’s commitment to world-class football, with the best African players from across the continent returning to compete. He did not specify when the expanded format would come into effect.
The 2027 edition of the tournament will go ahead as planned, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. A further edition is scheduled for 2028, after which the competition moves to a four-year cycle. CAF is also set to introduce a Nations League from 2029, with a 16-team final tournament held every two years.
The expansion adds pressure on the three co-host nations, each of which is now expected to provide at least two approved stadiums, raising urgency around infrastructure development and logistical planning.