The Africa Cup of Nations could see more teams in future. Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe said the tournament may expand from 24 to 28 teams. He made the announcement at a press conference in Tanzania on Friday.
The competition has featured 24 teams in the last four editions. Before that, it was a 16 team tournament. Motsepe said plans are being discussed to increase the number again. However, he did not give a date for when the change could happen. He also did not explain how the extra teams would fit into the current format.
CAF has 54 member nations. If the tournament grows to 28 teams, more than half of the member countries would take part in the finals.
Motsepe also confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years after 2028. The decision has received criticism since it was first announced in December. The tournament has been played every two years since 1968.
He also rejected reports that the 2027 tournament would be moved away from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The three East African nations are set to co host the next edition. Some reports had raised concerns about infrastructure readiness. Motsepe said CAF believes the hosts will be ready.
“CAF and African football will be enormously successful this year and the years ahead. We believe that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will deliver a good tournament next year,” he said.
The CAF chief also spoke about the problems that happened during the 2025 final. The match ended in controversy after Senegal players walked off the field following a penalty decision. Motsepe called the events unacceptable and said changes will be made to rules and discipline.
“I am deeply disappointed by the unacceptable events that unfolded during the final,” he said.
He added that CAF will amend its statutes and disciplinary code so that stronger punishments can be given in similar cases. According to him, the goal is to protect the image and reputation of African football.
Senegal, who won the final, and Morocco were both fined after the incidents during the decider in Rabat.
