The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially expanded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams, with the new format taking effect from the 2027 tournament.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe announced the decision at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday. He said the change shows CAF’s commitment to increasing participation and giving more national teams a chance to compete.
The 2027 TotalEnergies AFCON, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host, will be the first tournament with 28 teams.
With the new format, the 28 teams will be divided into seven groups of four. The top two teams in each group will move on to the knockout stage, along with the two best third-placed teams, making up the 16 teams in the Round of 16.
This expansion is another big step for Africa’s top football tournament. CAF previously increased the number of teams from 16 to 24 before the 2019 edition in Egypt.
CAF says the new format will make the tournament more competitive and give more countries a chance to show their talent on Africa’s biggest football stage.
The 2027 tournament will also be the first AFCON held in East Africa, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania hosting together.
Dr. Motsepe said CAF wants to keep improving the quality, commercial value, and global profile of African football. He added that preparations for the expanded tournament are already underway.
Qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON will start later this year.
This version is more concise, follows a news style, and keeps all the important details without repeating information.
About The Author
