The Confederation of African Football is preparing to expand the Africa Cup of Nations,AFCON, from 24 to 28 teams, marking another significant shift in the structure of the continent’s flagship football competition and reinforcing a broader strategy to reshape African football’s global relevance. The announcement was made by CAF president Patrice Motsepe following an executive committee meeting, where he framed the move as part of a long term vision to elevate the game across the continent and create more opportunities for emerging football nations.
The Africa Cup of Nations, widely regarded as the pinnacle of international football in Africa, has already undergone major transformation in recent years. The tournament was expanded from 16 to 24 teams in 2019, a move that significantly increased participation and exposure for smaller footballing nations. The proposed jump to 28 teams would take this inclusivity even further, meaning that more than half of CAF’s 54 member associations could potentially qualify for the finals.
CAF’s leadership argues that the expansion reflects its commitment to making African football more competitive, commercially viable and globally visible. Motsepe emphasised that the decision aligns with efforts to ensure that top African talent, including players based in Europe and other parts of the world, can consistently return to compete on the continent’s biggest stage.
However, despite the bold announcement, key details remain unclear. CAF has not yet explained how the additional four teams will be integrated into the existing tournament format, which currently consists of six groups of four teams followed by knockout rounds. There is also no confirmed timeline for when the 28 team format will take effect, leaving stakeholders, analysts and fans speculating about the logistical and competitive implications of the change.
Beyond the expansion itself, the move forms part of a wider restructuring of African football competitions. CAF has already indicated that the Africa Cup of Nations will transition to a four year cycle after 2028, departing from its long standing biennial format. This shift is intended to align more closely with global football calendars and reduce scheduling conflicts with major European leagues, which have historically been a source of tension when African players are called up for national duty.
In addition, CAF plans to introduce a Nations League style competition from 2029, designed to provide consistent competitive fixtures for African national teams while maintaining financial sustainability for the organisation. These changes signal a deliberate attempt to modernise African football governance, improve planning consistency and enhance revenue generation.
The expansion also comes at a time when CAF is facing scrutiny over governance, officiating and tournament management. Recent controversies surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final, including disputes over refereeing decisions and disciplinary rulings, have raised questions about the organisation’s credibility and operational standards. Against this backdrop, structural reforms such as expanding the tournament are being positioned as part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and strengthen the integrity of African football.
From a competitive standpoint, the proposed increase to 28 teams presents both opportunities and risks. On one hand, it offers smaller and developing football nations a realistic pathway to participate on the continental stage, which could accelerate talent development and investment in football infrastructure across Africa. Countries that previously struggled to qualify may now gain exposure, experience and financial benefits associated with tournament participation.
On the other hand, critics argue that expanding the tournament too rapidly could dilute its overall quality. Increasing the number of teams may lead to mismatches, reduce the intensity of competition in the early stages and place additional strain on host nations in terms of infrastructure, logistics and scheduling. The absence of a clearly defined format further complicates these concerns, as stakeholders await clarity on how CAF intends to balance inclusivity with competitiveness.
Economically, the expansion could prove beneficial if executed effectively. A larger tournament means more matches, increased broadcasting rights, higher sponsorship potential and greater fan engagement across the continent. Given that the Africa Cup of Nations is a major revenue generator for CAF, these factors are likely to play a central role in the decision making process.
Ultimately, the planned expansion to 28 teams reflects a strategic pivot in African football’s evolution. It signals an ambition to broaden participation, strengthen the sport’s commercial appeal and position the continent more prominently within the global football ecosystem. Yet, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on execution. Without a clear format, strong governance and effective planning, the expansion risks creating more challenges than opportunities.
For now, the announcement stands as a bold statement of intent. Whether it becomes a transformative milestone or a contentious experiment will depend on how CAF navigates the complex realities of modern football administration in the years ahead.
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