The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting in 2032. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the major change on December 20, 2025.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the surprise announcement in Rabat, Morocco. The news came just before the start of the 2025 tournament.
The current two-year cycle will continue for two more editions. The 2027 event is set for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Another tournament will follow in 2028. After that, the next Africa Cup of Nations will not be until 2032.
Football leaders cited a need to sync with the global calendar. Motsepe said the move ensures "more synchronisation with the FIFA calendar".
The event's timing has long caused club-versus-country disputes. It often happens in the middle of the European season. This forces clubs to release key African players for national duty.
Recent scheduling has been difficult. The 2025 tournament was moved to avoid FIFA's new Club World Cup. Future January dates are also blocked by UEFA's Champions League changes.
A new annual competition will replace the income from frequent AFCON events. The African Nations League will start in 2029.
Motsepe described it as "the equivalent of an AFCON every year". All 54 CAF member nations will take part. They will be split into four regional zones for matches.
Games will be played each September and October. A final event for zone winners will follow in November. The league aims to provide yearly revenue and high-level games.
The shift ends a tradition dating back to 1957. The tournament has been mostly biennial since it began.
AFCON provides about 80% of CAF's total revenue. The new Nations League is designed to create a steadier income stream.
Prize money is also increasing. Winners of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco will get $10 million. That is up from $7 million in 2024.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had pushed for the four-year cycle before. CAF had previously refused due to financial reliance on the tournament.