CAF expands AFCON to 28 teams

The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will expand to 28 teams.

Motsepe announced the decision on Sunday, March 29, following the conclusion of CAF’s executive committee meeting.

The South African said the move is part of CAF’s commitment to elevating African football.

“This is about our commitment to world-class football, bringing together the best African players from across the globe to compete on the continent,” he stated.

However, he did not explain ​how the format will work with four extra teams, ​nor when it would be implemented.

The last four editions of the Cup of Nations featured 24 teams, following an increase from 16 participants in 2019.

Motsepe also confirmed that the next AFCON will be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027 as planned, and another event will be held in 2028, at which time the event will be gradually adjusted to a fixed cycle of once every four years.