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| When Is the Next AFCON 2028 |
Discover when is the next AFCON 2028 tournament, the shift to a four-year cycle, key details on scheduling, and what African football fans can expect in this historic edition
Are you wondering when is the next AFCON 2028 and what this major change means for African football fans? With the Confederation of African Football (CAF) introducing a major shift to the tournament’s scheduling, the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a historic moment in the landscape of African football. This guide breaks down the confirmed information about the next AFCON tournament, explains the context behind the schedule shift, and explores what fans can expect from the 2028 edition.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international football tournament, showcasing the continent’s best national teams in a thrilling competition that has captured the imagination of fans for decades. Football supporters across Africa and beyond keenly follow its cycles — but changes are coming. Knowing when is the next AFCON 2028 is essential not just for fans planning match catchups but also for understanding CAF’s broader strategic direction for African football.
What Is AFCON?
Before we dive into the specific date and details for the 2028 edition, let’s briefly recap what AFCON is.
The Africa Cup of Nations is the top men’s football competition for national teams in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Historically held every two years since 1968, AFCON determines the continental champion and often features future global stars. It has grown into one of the most watched tournaments in world football due to its passion, drama, and spectacle.
When Is the Next AFCON 2028?
The next Africa Cup of Nations after AFCON 2027 is scheduled for 2028, but exact dates and host nation(s) had not been finalized at the time of reporting. The 2028 edition will be the first on a new four-year cycle, marking a departure from the traditional biennial schedule that has governed the tournament since 1968.
Unlike previous editions, which typically took place every two years, CAF has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle starting after the 2027 tournament and will include the 2028 edition before settling into the new rhythm (with the next likely in 2032).
Despite broad confirmation of the 2028 tournament, official host and exact match dates remain to be formally determined by CAF through their bidding and scheduling processes. As such, fans should watch for announcements from CAF and official tournament channels for precise fixtures.
Why Is AFCON Changing to a Four-Year Cycle?
The question of “when is the next AFCON 2028” goes hand-in-hand with why the cycle is changing. Here’s the background behind the shift:
Alignment With the Global Football Calendar
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the new schedule is designed to better align with the broader global football calendar, which has become increasingly crowded with World Cups, continental club competitions, and international friendlies. The biennial AFCON schedule had often conflicted with European club seasons, leading to disputes over player releases and squad availability.
Strategic Growth and the African Nations League
To balance the reduced frequency of AFCON, CAF plans to launch an African Nations League that will run annually starting in 2029. This competition is intended to keep African football competitive and visible even in years when AFCON is not held.
Enhanced Commercial Value and Revenue Potential
The four-year cycle mirrors formats used in other major competitions (such as the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup), potentially increasing the value of media rights and sponsorships for AFCON and related tournaments.
The AFCON 2028 Tournament in the New Cycle
Although concrete dates are pending, AFCON 2028 is confirmed as the next major edition after 2027, and represents the 37th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. As the first in the quadrennial cycle, its scheduling and hosting will likely reflect CAF’s ambitions for growth and audience engagement.
Here’s what we know so far about AFCON 2028:
- Sequence: It follows the AFCON 2027 tournament.
- Schedule Structure: It inaugurates the new four-year AFCON cycle.
- Official Dates and Host: Yet to be confirmed and officially announced by CAF.
- Teams: The standard 24 nations qualified through the usual CAF qualification structures.
The move to a quadrennial cycle adds significance to AFCON 2028 — it becomes a pivotal bridge between traditional biennial contests and long-term planning for African national teams.
AFCON 2027: A Preview Before 2028
To understand the transition to 2028, it’s useful to look at the nearby edition:
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AFCON 2027 will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in East Africa, marking the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three nations.
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After that, AFCON 2028 is scheduled to follow soon, rather than waiting two years as in the old pattern — reinforcing the shift to complete the current cycle before transitioning to a four-year rhythm.
Knowing this helps fans appreciate that when is the next AFCON 2028 is not just a date question — it’s part of an evolving football landscape in Africa.
What Happens After AFCON 2028?
Once AFCON 2028 concludes, the next Africa Cup of Nations under the new four-year cycle is scheduled for 2032. This long cycle mirrors other major international tournaments and helps national teams and leagues plan their calendars more consistently around the event.
In between, the African Nations League will provide annual competitive fixtures, ensuring fans do not go years without meaningful continental competition.
How AFCON Qualifiers Work
Before each AFCON — including the 2028 edition — teams must qualify through CAF-organized qualification matches. These typically involve:
- Group stages arranged by CAF
- Home and away fixtures
- African nations competing for a set number of qualifying spots
While the exact qualification format for 2028 will be confirmed by CAF, fans should expect similar structures to past tournaments, with qualifiers beginning months (or even years) ahead of the finals.
Why AFCON Is So Beloved in Nigeria and Africa
Across Africa, including Nigeria, AFCON carries deep emotional and sporting significance:
- National pride and support for the Super Eagles
- Intense competition showcasing top African talent
- Social and economic impact on host nations
- Unity and celebration among fans
Knowing when is the next AFCON 2028 helps supporters plan travel, viewings, and social events around the tournament’s excitement.
Are you a fan of AFCON? Bookmark this page and subscribe for updates as CAF announces official dates and host details for AFCON 2028. Stay ahead of ticket releases, broadcast schedules, and team news heading into this historic edition!
Conclusion
The question when is the next AFCON 2028 represents more than just a future date — it marks a new era in African football. After decades of biennial tournaments, CAF’s shift to a four-year cycle beginning with the 2028 edition reflects strategic planning, global alignment, and a longer-term vision for the continent’s flagship competition.
While the exact dates and host for the AFCON 2028 tournament are still to be finalized and announced officially by CAF, the tournament’s continued significance in African football is unquestionable. Fans should watch for updates from CAF and official football channels as preparations progress.
