African football is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of the African Nations League and a shift to a four-year cycle for the Africa Cup of Nations.
New Structure for African Football
The changes were announced Saturday by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, during a press conference preceding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The move represents a major restructuring of the continent’s premier football tournaments.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, slated to be hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, will proceed as planned. Following that, the next tournament will be held in 2028, with the subsequent edition taking place in 2032. This adjustment paves the way for the inaugural African Nations League in 2029.
The African Nations League
The new African Nations League will include all 54 member associations, organized into four geographical zones. Matches are anticipated to take place in September and October, culminating in a November final. According to Motsepe, the league aims to bring the “best African players who play in Europe and worldwide” back to the continent for competition.
CAF officials have not yet determined whether the African Nations League will be a biennial or annual event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the change to the Africa Cup of Nations cycle announced?
The change was announced on Saturday, December 20, 2025, by Patrice Motsepe during a press conference before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
How many teams will participate in the African Nations League?
All 54 member associations of the Confederation of African Football will participate in the African Nations League.
When will the first African Nations League take place?
The first African Nations League is scheduled to take place in 2029.
How might these changes affect the development and visibility of football across the African continent?
