CAF Expands AFCON to 28 Teams as 2027 Tournament Ushers in New Era

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved a landmark expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), increasing the number of participating teams from 24 to 28 beginning with the 2027 edition, in a move designed to widen access to the continent’s premier football competition and strengthen its commercial appeal.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe announced the reform during a press briefing in Johannesburg, describing it as part of a broader strategy to make African football more competitive, inclusive and globally attractive. The expanded tournament will debut at the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda between 19 June and 17 July 2027.

Under the new format, the 28 qualified nations will be drawn into seven groups of four teams during the opening stage, creating additional qualification opportunities for emerging football nations while increasing the tournament’s overall match inventory.

The expansion reflects CAF’s ambition to accelerate football development across the continent by allowing more national teams to compete on Africa’s biggest stage. It is also expected to generate greater broadcasting revenues, sponsorship opportunities and fan engagement as the tournament continues its commercial evolution.

The decision comes as CAF pursues wider reforms to its competitions calendar and governance, positioning AFCON as a stronger global sporting property. The 2027 edition will also be the first men’s AFCON to be staged across three host nations, marking another milestone in the tournament’s history.

For many of Africa’s mid-ranked football nations, the expansion significantly improves qualification prospects while preserving the tournament’s status as the continent’s flagship football event. The revised format is expected to reshape qualification campaigns and intensify competition ahead of the East African-hosted finals.