The future of the Africa Cup of Nations could take a decisive turn on Thursday, October 29, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to consider restoring the tournament’s traditional two-year cycle.
A decision is anticipated at the CAF Executive Committee meeting, according to the latest development, with the possibility of a return to biennial AFCON placing African football’s flagship national team competition at the centre of attention.
The potential change would reverse a major scheduling decision announced by CAF in December 2025, when the organisation said AFCON would move to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition.
For fans, national associations and players across the continent, Thursday could therefore become a defining moment in determining how often Africa’s biggest football tournament will be staged.
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The debate resurfaced earlier this month after CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the governing body was reviewing the decision to move AFCON to a four-year schedule.
Speaking during a CAF strategy conference in Cape Verde, Motsepe said the organisation was considering a return to holding the tournament every two years. His comments marked a shift from the position announced in December 2025.
The earlier plan was designed to reshape the international football calendar. CAF intended to introduce an African Nations League from 2029, creating another major competition for national teams while reducing the frequency of AFCON.
However, the proposed change attracted criticism and renewed debate about the place of the continental tournament in African football. The possibility of restoring the biennial format has since returned to the agenda.
Member associations were consulted
CAF has also sought the views of its 54 member associations on whether AFCON should be played every two or four years.
A letter dated October 23 asked the associations to submit their recommendations by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28. The consultation was intended to gather their positions before the governing body settles the question.
The outcome of that process could help shape the decision expected at the Executive Committee meeting.
What a return to every two years would mean
Restoring the two-year cycle would bring AFCON back to its traditional rhythm after CAF’s proposed shift to a four-year format.
It would also require the governing body to reconsider how the tournament fits alongside other planned competitions, including the proposed African Nations League.
The financial implications and wider interests of African football remain important considerations in the debate.
Thursday’s decision in focus
CAF now faces a crucial choice: retain the planned four-year cycle or return to the familiar two-year format.
With the decision expected to come into focus on Thursday, October 29, attention will be on Motsepe and the Executive Committee as African football awaits clarity on the tournament’s future.
Tomorrow is D-day for AFCON’s cycle debate. The final position will determine whether the continent’s flagship national-team competition returns to its traditional schedule or remains on course for the proposed longer interval.
