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 edition, marking another significant milestone in the competition’s history.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe unveiled the decision during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday, saying the expansion is designed to provide more African nations with the opportunity to compete at the continent’s premier football tournament.
According to Motsepe, the increase in participating teams reflects CAF’s commitment to promoting the growth of football across Africa and ensuring more countries benefit from competing on the biggest stage.
The expanded tournament will debut at the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The event will also make history as the first Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in East Africa.
The move follows CAF’s previous expansion from 16 to 24 teams in 2019, a change that increased the tournament’s competitiveness and broadened participation across the continent.
With 28 teams now set to compete, the 2027 finals are expected to feature more matches, greater regional representation and increased opportunities for emerging football nations to challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
