Afcon Returns to Biennial Format After U‑Turn

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will revert to its traditional two‑year cycle, ending the one‑off 2025 edition that was postponed due to the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

The decision, made during CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on 28 October 2026, follows a period of uncertainty that began when the 2025 tournament was originally scheduled for January‑February 2025. The postponement, announced in 2023, was intended to avoid a clash with the 2026 World Cup, but the logistical challenges and the lack of a clear replacement venue led CAF to reconsider.

Key points of the announcement:

• Afcon will resume a biennial schedule, with the next edition slated for 2027.
• The 2025 tournament will be cancelled, and the 2027 edition will be hosted by the Republic of the Congo.
• CAF will work with FIFA to ensure that future Afcon dates do not conflict with major global competitions.

Implications for teams and fans

• National teams will have a clearer calendar, allowing for better preparation and squad planning.
• Fans can look forward to a predictable rhythm of continental competition, similar to the European Championship.
• The change may affect sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights, as broadcasters will now have a fixed schedule to negotiate.

How to verify the announcement

• The official CAF website (cafonline.com) will publish a press release with the full details.
• FIFA’s official communications and the Confederation’s social media channels will also confirm the change.
• Reputable sports news outlets such as BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and Reuters will provide independent coverage.

In summary, CAF’s decision to return Afcon to a biennial format restores stability to African football’s flagship tournament and aligns it with the scheduling norms of other continental competitions.