CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to feature 24 teams, dismissing widespread reports suggesting the tournament would be expanded to 28 participating nations.
Speculation over an increase in the number of teams gained momentum following Motsepe’s media engagement in Johannesburg on Wednesday, July 22, with several reports claiming CAF had approved a larger competition beginning with the 2027 edition.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, July 23, Motsepe clarified that no decision had been taken to expand the tournament, confirming that the current 24-team format will remain in place.
The existing format, first introduced at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, has been retained for every edition since and will once again be used when the continental championship heads to East Africa in 2027.
Motsepe also announced that the tournament will be held between June and July 2027, returning AFCON to its traditional mid-year schedule.
The 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, making history as the first Africa Cup of Nations to be staged across three host countries.
With the tournament format now officially confirmed, focus shifts to the qualification campaign, which is scheduled to get underway in September and October 2026. National teams from across the continent will compete for the 24 available places at Africa’s premier football competition.
CAF’s clarification brings an end to uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s structure and provides member associations, coaches and supporters with a clear roadmap as preparations intensify for the qualifiers and the finals in East Africa.
