The expanded competition will debut in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking the largest Africa Cup of Nations in history.
Johannesburg, South Africa (Running Africa) — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will expand from 24 to 28 teams beginning with the 2027 tournament, marking the biggest format change in the competition’s modern history.
The expanded tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, becoming the first AFCON to feature 28 nations competing for Africa’s biggest football prize.
CAF Says Expansion Will Grow African Football
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the decision reflects the federation’s long-term vision to strengthen African football by giving more national teams the opportunity to compete on the continent’s biggest stage.
According to Motsepe, the expansion is intended to increase competitiveness, improve football development across Africa, and provide greater exposure for emerging football nations.
The move follows years of steady growth in African football, which has seen more countries become increasingly competitive at continental and global tournaments.
New AFCON 2027 Format
The expanded 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will feature:
- 28 teams
- Seven groups of four teams
- Tournament dates: June 19 – July 17, 2027
- Hosts: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
CAF has yet to confirm the full qualification format, but said further details will be announced in the coming months.
Qualification matches are expected to be played during three FIFA international windows between September 2026 and March 2027.
CAF Increases Prize Money for 2026 WAFCON
Motsepe also announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The new prize structure will see:
- Champions receive $2 million
- Each of the 16 participating teams guaranteed at least $150,000
The increased financial rewards form part of CAF’s broader strategy to accelerate the growth and professionalization of women’s football across Africa.
CAF Praises Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Success
During the announcement, Motsepe praised the performances of African nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament as another milestone in the continent’s football development.
Africa delivered one of its strongest World Cup campaigns to date, with several nations advancing deep into the knockout stages and showcasing the continent’s growing competitiveness on the global stage.
Motsepe also reaffirmed his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.
New Era for African Football
The expansion to 28 teams signals a new chapter for the Africa Cup of Nations, offering more countries the opportunity to compete while increasing the tournament’s commercial appeal and continental reach.
As East Africa prepares to host AFCON 2027, the expanded competition is expected to become the largest and most inclusive edition in the tournament’s history, reflecting CAF’s ambition to further elevate African football on the global stage.
