A tradition dating back almost six decades will end in 2028: from that year onwards, CAN will take place every four years, ending the usual periodicity that was implemented from 1968 onwards.
Since then, the major tournament has been held every two years, with one exception occurring in 2012 and 2013, when there was a CAN edition in both years. Thus, following the edition that is about to begin, on December 21st, there will be another edition in 2027 and another in 2028, before moving to the new periodicity.
“We have the most exciting new structure for African football. The global calendar needs to be significantly more synchronized and harmonized”, explained Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after a CAF meeting in Morocco, where the 2025 edition will take place.
In 2027, CAN will pass through Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, but there is still no defined location for the competition the following year. What is certain is that from 2028, the CAN will take place every four years, coinciding with future editions of the Euro.
Motsepe also clarified that the decision was taken together with Gianni Infantino and Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA president and general secretary respectively. The leader also announced the creation of the African League of Nations, with the aim of being held annually from 2029.
