The Africa Cup of Nations will be played every two years again. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee has reversed last year’s decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle. AFCON 2027 stays in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as planned, and the following tournaments are now set for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
The U-turn, announced this week, is big news for African football and for Kenyan fans looking forward to co-hosting the continent’s biggest tournament next year.
AFCON Every Two Years: What CAF Decided
- Decision: AFCON returns to a two-year cycle, reversing the plan for a four-year cycle
- Made by: the CAF Executive Committee
- AFCON 2027: stays with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
- Next editions: 2028, 2031 and 2033
- World Cup years: no AFCON will be held in a FIFA World Cup year
Why CAF Changed Its Mind
When CAF announced the move to a four-year cycle, the plan was to fill the gap with a new African Nations League. That competition was meant to bring in steady income and more regular competitive matches for national teams.
CAF has now concluded that the Nations League would take years to become financially viable. AFCON, on the other hand, is CAF’s flagship tournament and an established source of broadcast and sponsorship income. Holding it every two years keeps that income flowing while the alternative is still unproven.
The schedule also avoids clashing with the expanded FIFA World Cup. By skipping World Cup years, CAF reduces the pressure on players and clubs, particularly European clubs that release African stars for the tournament.
What It Means for Kenya and AFCON 2027
For Kenya, the most important point is that nothing changes for 2027. The tournament remains a joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania, and Kenya are already qualified as co-hosts. That is why the Harambee Stars’ upcoming qualifiers against South Africa are mainly about preparation. You can read about Benni McCarthy’s latest picks in our Harambee Stars squad news.
The quicker cycle does have knock-on effects. With another AFCON scheduled for 2028, qualifying for that tournament will follow soon after the home edition, which gives Kenyan football less time to rebuild if 2027 does not go to plan. On the positive side, players and fans will get more chances to see the Harambee Stars on the big stage if the team can keep qualifying.
The AFCON 2025 Appeal Still Hangs Over CAF
The decision comes while another big AFCON issue is still unresolved. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to rule by the end of November on Senegal’s appeal over the AFCON 2025 title, which was awarded to Morocco. Whatever the outcome, it will be one of the most talked-about rulings in African football this year.
Betting Angle
A regular two-year cycle means more tournament betting markets for Kenyan punters, from outright winners to top scorer and group predictions. When AFCON 2027 markets open, home advantage will be a factor for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, but the traditional powers will still be the favourites. Our AFCON betting tips guide explains how to approach tournament markets, and you can find daily match tips in our predictions section. For official announcements, see the CAF website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AFCON every two years or every four years?
AFCON will be every two years. CAF has reversed its earlier plan to switch to a four-year cycle.
Is Kenya still hosting AFCON 2027?
Yes. AFCON 2027 remains a joint tournament hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
When are the next AFCON tournaments after 2027?
CAF has set the following editions for 2028, 2031 and 2033, with no tournament in a FIFA World Cup year.
Why did CAF drop the four-year AFCON plan?
CAF decided the proposed African Nations League would take years to become financially viable, so it kept AFCON on a two-year cycle.
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