CAF president interested in expanding Africa Cup of Nations finals to 28 teams

Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe announced plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams. Speaking in Tanzania, he did not specify when this shift from the current 24-team format would occur. With 54 members, this expansion means over half would qualify.

Motsepe also confirmed the controversial decision to host AFCON every four years after 2028, ending the biennial tradition established in 1968. Furthermore, he denied rumors that the 2027 tournament would be moved, expressing full confidence in co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda despite infrastructure concerns.

Motsepe addressed the embarrassing 2025 final, where Senegal walked off regarding a penalty dispute. He promised to amend the CAF statutes, ensuring judicial bodies can impose stricter punishments reflecting the severity of such actions. His goal remains protecting African football's global reputation, noting that the fines recently issued to Senegal and Morocco were necessary measures to uphold the sport's integrity.