AFCON Moves to a Four-Year Cycle
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will switch from a biennial schedule to a quadrennial format starting in 2028, according to an announcement by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The decision marks a dramatic change for a tournament that has become a staple of the African football calendar and a major revenue driver for CAF.
CAF has emphasized that the change is intended to provide greater stability for national teams, clubs, and broadcasters. By consolidating the event into a four-year cycle, organizers aim to streamline qualification windows, scheduling, and logistics for players who balance international duties with domestic leagues. The move is also framed as a way to boost the tournament’s global appeal while ensuring sustainability for broader football development programs across the continent.
Financial and Strategic Implications
Reports indicate that AFCON accounts for a substantial portion of CAF’s revenue, with estimates suggesting it contributes around 80% of the federation’s income. A longer cycle could affect sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and commercial partnerships, as stakeholders adjust to a new rhythm of planning and marketing. CAF officials have noted that while the format is changing, the goal remains to protect and expand funding for grassroots programs, refereeing development, and youth leagues that feed into the senior national teams.
Industry analysts say the four-year plan could ease congested calendars in major leagues by reducing the frequency of the tournament, though it will require careful coordination with club competitions to minimize conflicts. National associations will need to rethink talent pipelines, ensuring players remain match-ready during long intervals between AFCON events while staying competitive on the world stage.
Impact on Players, Fans, and Host Cities
For players, the shift may reduce the number of AFCON appearances across a typical career, potentially elevating the prestige of each edition but constraining opportunities to participate. Clubs may benefit from more predictable scheduling, though national teams will still demand the best players during AFCON periods. Fans can expect a more anticipated event whenever it returns, with heightened focus on the host country’s selection and preparation in the lead-up to each edition.
Host nations will face the challenge of staging a major continental championship less frequently, which could influence investment in stadium upgrades, infrastructure, and tourism. Conversely, longer preparation cycles could allow for more ambitious bids and improved fan experiences, from ticketing systems to fan zones and merchandising strategies.
What It Means for the African Game
The four-year AFCON cycle is part of a broader effort to modernize African football governance while maintaining the tournament’s central role in national pride and regional competition. As CAF navigates the transition, there will be ongoing dialogue about qualification formats, match scheduling, and synchronization with other major events on the international football calendar. Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor updates on qualifiers, host bids, and broadcast plans in the coming months as the new cycle takes shape.
Conclusion
Starting in 2028, AFCON’s four-year cadence marks a watershed moment for African football. Although the change brings questions about revenue, player workload, and hosting logistics, it also offers a chance to reimagine how the continent celebrates its top teams and develops the sport for future generations. As CAF implements the new schedule, the football world will watch closely how this bold shift balances tradition with long-term sustainability.
