CAF Clarifies: 2027 AFCON to Remain at 24 Teams, Reversing President's Earlier Statement

Published Jul 23, 04:55 PM UTC

On July 23, 2026, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a statement clarifying that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will retain its current 24-team format, reversing earlier comments by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Two days prior, Motsepe had announced during a press conference that the tournament would expand to 28 teams, sparking widespread reactions. CAF's official clarification stated that the 2027 AFCON, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will feature 24 national teams, with qualifiers starting in September/October 2026 and the tournament scheduled for June-July 2027. The article highlights the confusion caused by Motsepe's initial statement and the subsequent correction by CAF.

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