CAF wants to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams.

The Confederation of African Football plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams and to confirm a four-year cycle to strengthen the tournament’s competitiveness and global reach.

The Africa Cup of Nations could soon take on a new dimension. On the sidelines of a press conference held this Friday in Tanzania, CAF president Patrice Motsepe unveiled his intention to expand the competition to 28 teams. An ambitious reform that would be accompanied by a confirmed four-year cycle.

The continental body thus aims to give greater visibility to emerging nations and strengthen the overall competitiveness of the tournament. For Motsepe, the CAN remains one of the continent’s major sporting events and must continue to evolve to reflect the progress of African football. By including more teams, CAF hopes to spur competition, uncover new talents, and increase popular enthusiasm across Africa.

This format change is part of a broader modernization strategy. A four-year cycle would, according to its proponents, allow national teams to better structure themselves, prepare for their fixtures, and raise the level of play. The stated objective is clear: to consolidate CAN’s status as a global showcase for African football.

Before any definitive validation, CAF plans to consult its member associations to define the precise modalities: format of the final tournament, qualification criteria, and logistical arrangements. While some observers hail a move toward greater inclusion, others are already questioning the challenges related to travel, infrastructure, and sporting balance. If it goes ahead, this reform would constitute a historic turning point for CAN, set to enter a new era.