The Confederation of African Football has unveiled plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams following an executive committee meeting in Cairo.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the proposed expansion is part of a broader strategy aimed at developing football across the continent and increasing participation among African nations.
“ We want to increase it to 28 countries. This will allow more nations to compete, showcase their talent, and contribute to the growth of African football,” he said.
Despite the proposed changes, the next edition of AFCON will remain a 24-team competition and is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June to July 2027. Qualification matches for the tournament are expected to begin in August and September.
While the exact format and timeline for implementing the expanded tournament are yet to be confirmed, the proposal is widely seen as a significant step toward inclusivity and growth within African football.
The increase in participating teams is expected to provide emerging football nations with greater opportunities to compete on a larger stage, offering players increased exposure and a platform to attract global recognition. It also presents potential economic benefits for host countries, including growth in tourism, infrastructure development, job creation, and increased broadcasting revenues.
Beyond economic gains, the expansion is likely to strengthen football’s role in promoting social and cultural unity across the continent, while enhancing national pride and international visibility.
At a broader level, a larger tournament could improve competitiveness, expand scouting opportunities for international clubs, and accelerate the development of football infrastructure and talent across Africa.
