AFCON
CAF Considers Expanding AFCON to 28 Teams as Competition Reforms Gather Pace
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering a further expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with plans underway to increase the number of participating teams from 24 to 28 in future editions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe disclosed the proposal during a press conference following the Executive Committee meeting, confirming that regulatory amendments and structural reforms are currently under discussion.
“We plan to increase the number of participants in the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams,” Motsepe said.
If approved, the expansion would mark another major shift for Africa’s flagship tournament, coming just eight years after CAF raised the number of finalists from 16 to 24 teams in 2019. Under the proposed reform, the 2027 edition could be the last to feature the current 24-team format before the new structure is introduced.
The proposal forms part of broader discussions within CAF aimed at modernising competition frameworks and strengthening inclusivity across the continent. However, it also arrives at a time when questions persist about infrastructure readiness and logistical coordination for the 2027 tournament in East Africa.
The Africa Cup of Nations has evolved significantly since its modest beginnings in 1957.
The inaugural tournament, staged in Sudan, featured just three teams — Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia — after South Africa was disqualified due to its apartheid policy. Egypt emerged as champions in what was effectively a triangular competition.
By 1962, the tournament expanded to four teams, introducing a structured semifinal and final format. A more substantial shift came in 1968 when AFCON grew to eight teams, allowing for a full group-stage format. This era coincided with the rapid growth of football across newly independent African nations.
In 1992, CAF doubled participation to 16 teams, reflecting the continent’s expanding competitive base and the growing global presence of African footballers. The 16-team structure endured for 25 years and produced some of AFCON’s most memorable moments.
A further expansion came in 2019, when Egypt hosted the first 24-team edition. The move broadened representation, enhanced commercial value and increased broadcasting reach, although it initially sparked debate over competitive balance.
Now, with a possible increase to 28 teams on the horizon, CAF appears poised to continue reshaping the tournament in line with the continent’s football growth and expanding membership.
Should the proposal be ratified, it would represent another landmark in AFCON’s evolution — from a three-team event in Khartoum to a nearly 30-nation continental championship with global visibility.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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