The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved a significant expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The executive committee confirmed the tournament will increase from 24 to 28 participating national teams.
The expansion is scheduled to take effect for the 2027 edition of the tournament. CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated the decision aims to provide more opportunities for African nations to compete on the continent's biggest stage.
This change marks the latest in a series of expansions for AFCON, which featured 16 teams for many years before moving to 24 in 2019. The host nation for the 2027 tournament has not yet been announced by CAF.
Logistical considerations for accommodating four additional teams, including match scheduling and venue requirements, will be addressed in the coming months as CAF finalizes the format for the enlarged competition.
