The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle, restoring the competition to its traditional biennial format.
The decision was unanimously approved by CAF’s Executive Committee (EXCO) at a meeting held on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The latest resolution brings an end to the proposed arrangement announced last year, which would have seen Africa’s flagship national team competition played once every four years instead of every two years.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe had earlier hinted that the governing body was prepared to reconsider the change.
Speaking at the CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde from October 7 to 9, 2026, Motsepe disclosed that the Executive Committee would review the decision to extend the tournament’s cycle.
The reversal means AFCON will continue to be staged every two years, maintaining the format that has traditionally defined the competition.
The tournament remains one of Africa’s biggest sporting events, bringing together national teams from across the continent to compete for the continental title.
