CAF Plans 28-Team AFCON, Raising Stakes For African Football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is planning a major shake-up in the African Cup of Nations, announcing an expansion from 24 to 28 teams.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the development, highlighting the organization’s ambition to strengthen African football and provide more opportunities for players across the continent.

Speaking on the decision, Motsepe emphasized CAF’s goal of raising the tournament’s profile and competitiveness.

“Our focus is to deliver a world-class competition, showcasing the talent of African footballers from all corners of the continent,” he said.

“We want to ensure the tournament continues to grow and attract attention both locally and internationally.”

While the announcement signals a significant change, Motsepe did not clarify how the 28-team setup will work or when it will be implemented.

Questions remain regarding the new qualification process, match scheduling, and how this expansion could affect participating nations.

The decision to enlarge the tournament is likely to have a ripple effect across African football. More teams will now have the chance to compete on one of the continent’s biggest stages, potentially allowing emerging football nations to make their mark.

At the same time, organizers will need to carefully manage logistics, stadium requirements, and fixture congestion to ensure the expanded competition runs smoothly.

This change comes as CAF continues to promote African football globally and increase engagement from fans and players alike.

With the next edition of the African Cup of Nations scheduled to be held in Morocco in 2025, all eyes will be on how CAF integrates the new teams into the tournament framework.

Football followers across the continent will be watching closely to see how this expansion impacts competition, preparation, and the overall spectacle of the African game.