The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now feature 28 teams instead of the previous 24. CAF President Patrice Motsepe disclosed the decision following an executive committee meeting in Egypt.
Motsepe said the expansion is part of CAF’s commitment to “world-class football” and to encouraging African players from around the globe to return. While the exact format for the additional teams has not been revealed, the 2027 finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will proceed as planned.
CAF’s announcement follows scrutiny over the controversial 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. Senegal initially won 1-0 in extra time but walked off in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco, leading to CAF stripping Senegal of the title. Motsepe emphasized that the changes aim to “prevent a repeat of such incidents” and ensure that African football operates “at the highest standard of fairness and transparency.”
The expansion signals a new era for AFCON, giving more nations the chance to compete on the continental stage, boosting competitive fixtures, and attracting top African players back to the continent. CAF also plans to move the tournament to a four-year cycle after 2028, aligning it with other major international competitions
