Caf Reverses Decision: Africa Cup of Nations Stays Every Two Years

BBC Sport · 2026-10-30
Caf Reverses Decision: Africa Cup of Nations Stays Every Two Years

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has reversed its decision to switch the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to a four-year cycle, keeping the tournament on its traditional biennial schedule. The move comes after Caf had announced plans last December to reduce the frequency, citing concerns over player workload and competition with other international events. However, the governing body has now performed a U-turn, ensuring the continent's flagship football competition will continue to be held every two years. This decision is significant for African football stakeholders, including national associations, broadcasters, and sponsors, who rely on the regular cadence of the tournament for revenue and development. The reversal also maintains the tournament's status as a key fixture in the global football calendar, providing more opportunities for African players to showcase their talent on a major stage. Caf's decision underscores the complex balance between commercial interests, player welfare, and the growth of the game in Africa. Moving forward, the focus will be on ensuring the biennial Afcon remains a high-quality event that meets the needs of all parties involved.