Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has said that the continent’s flagship tournament, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), could be expanded from 24 to 28 teams.
Motsepe made the remarks at a press conference following a CAF executive committee meeting but did not specify how the tournament structure would change or when the expansion might take effect.
The AFCON was expanded from 16 to 24 teams in 2019.
Motsepe also confirmed that the 2027 tournament will go ahead as planned in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
After an additional edition in 2028, the competition is expected to move to a four-year cycle.
He added that CAF plans to launch a new national league competition in 2029, to be played annually, with a 16-team finals tournament staged every two years.
“The adjustments reflect CAF’s commitment to developing world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent,” Motsepe said.
Motsepe, who was elected CAF president in 2021 and re-elected in 2025, is the first South African to lead the continental soccer governing body.
Meanwhile, CAF continues to demonstrate the transformative power of football through the CAF African Schools Football Championship, with tournament prize money driving measurable improvements in education and facilities across African schools.
Winners of the Continental Finals of the CAF African Schools Football Championship in both the boys and girls categories receive USD 300 000, with runners-up receiving USD 200 000, while third-place finishers each receive USD 150 000.
Added to this, there is also prize money for the Zonal Phase teams, USD 100 000 for the winners, USD 75 000 for the runners-up and USD 50 000 to the team that finishes third.
Aligned with CAF’s strategic focus on youth development, all prize monies awarded are strictly ring-fenced for non-professional football projects that enhance both education and football infrastructure.
This deliberate approach ensures that CAF delivers a sustainable legacy, empowering schools to create improved learning conditions and nurturing the next generation of African leaders.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
