No AFCON Finals During World Cup Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to be scheduled outside of FIFA World Cup years, maintaining a traditional calendar alignment to prevent fixture congestion.

According to the governing body, the next global showpiece is set for 2030, and under FIFA convention, the final phases of continental national team tournaments cannot take place in the same year.

“The next FIFA World Cup will take place in 2030. In accordance with FIFA tradition, the final phase of the AFCON and those of other national team competitions of the confederations may not be held during the year of the FIFA World Cup,” CAF stated.

Read More : CAF Drops Plan to Hold AFCON Every Four Years

AFCON: CAF President Speaks On Senegal Win Nullification. Credit: CECAFA Football.

This scheduling parameter accounts for the sequence of upcoming tournaments following CAF’s recent decision to revert the continental showpiece to a biennial cycle.

After the 2027 edition, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the tournament will be held in 2028, followed by a gap until 2031 and then 2033, making way for the World Cup in 2030.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the biennial format on Thursday, noting that the immediate revenue from AFCON is critical for the financial self-sufficiency of African football, as a proposed Nations League would take too long to generate equivalent funds.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.