AFCON to shift to four-year cycle as CAF launches African Nations League

Kenya, December 20 2025 -The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be staged once every four years from 2028, following a major restructuring of the international football calendar by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The move marks a significant shift from the tournament’s long-standing biennial format, with a newly introduced African Nations League set to fill the competitive gap between AFCON editions.

CAF’s decision is aimed at easing fixture congestion, improving player welfare, and aligning African international football more closely with global calendars, particularly those of FIFA and European leagues. In recent years, AFCON’s scheduling, often held mid-season for European clubs, has drawn criticism from club managers and federations due to player fatigue and availability concerns.

Under the new structure, AFCON will retain its prestige as Africa’s flagship tournament, but with greater build-up and long-term planning similar to the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. CAF believes that a four-year cycle will enhance the tournament’s commercial value, competitive quality, and global appeal.

To maintain regular competitive action for national teams, CAF will introduce an African Nations League, modeled loosely on UEFA’s Nations League. The new competition is expected to feature tiered divisions based on rankings, with promotion and relegation, offering more meaningful matches than traditional international friendlies.

The Nations League will also provide additional qualification pathways for major tournaments, ensuring that smaller nations benefit from increased exposure and competitive balance. CAF officials believe this format will help accelerate football development across the continent while generating consistent broadcast and sponsorship revenue.