Overview
- CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed the change after talks with FIFA in Rabat during AFCON 2025.
- Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host in 2027, with another edition slated for 2028 before the four-year cycle begins.
- CAF plans an annual African Nations League from 2029 to help replace revenues national federations derive from AFCON.
- Mali coach Tom Saintfiet condemned the decision as pressure from European clubs and FIFA, calling the switch disrespectful to African football.
- Some CAF officials flagged operational strain and calendar conflicts—citing a 24-team format, a 2027 summer slot, and Euro 2028 and the Los Angeles Olympics—while European clubs have long opposed mid-season AFCON call-ups.