CAF confirms 24-team format for AFCON 2027, dismisses expansion eeports
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to feature 24 teams, dismissing widespread reports that the tournament was set to expand to 28 participating nations.
Speculation emerged on Wednesday, July 22, following remarks made by Motsepe during a media engagement in Johannesburg, with several reports suggesting CAF had approved an increase in the number of teams for the 2027 finals.
However, in a clarification issued on Thursday, July 23, Motsepe stated that no decision had been taken to alter the current format, confirming that the competition will retain the 24-team structure introduced at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
CLARIFICATION :
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) July 23, 2026
Lors de la conférence de presse de mercredi, le Président de la CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe, a confirmé que la TotalEnergies CAF Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2027 réunira 24 équipes nationales.
Les informations relayées par certains médias, qui suggèrent le contraire,… pic.twitter.com/Zm1My1O8vu
The 24-team format, which replaced the previous 16-team competition, has been used successfully in every edition since 2019 and will remain in place for the next tournament.
Motsepe also announced that the 2027 AFCON will be played between June and July 2027, returning the continental showpiece to its traditional mid-year schedule.
The tournament 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. It will also mark the first time East Africa hosts the competition in its current format.
With the tournament structure now officially confirmed, attention shifts to the qualification campaign, which is scheduled to begin in September and October 2026. National teams from across the continent will compete for the 24 places available at Africa's premier football championship.
Motsepe's clarification brings an end to uncertainty surrounding the tournament's format and provides member associations, coaches and supporters with certainty as preparations intensify for the qualifiers and the finals in East Africa.