The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed reports claiming that the format of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be changed, confirming that the tournament will retain its 24-team structure.
CAF made the clarification after its President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, confirmed during Wednesday’s press conference that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will feature 24 participating national teams.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Thursday, CAF described media reports suggesting otherwise as false.
“At Wednesday’s press conference, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 will have 24 National Teams. Media reports suggesting otherwise is untrue. The AFCON 2027 will be played in June-July 2027 and the Qualifiers will start in September/October 2026,” the statement read.
The football governing body stressed that no decision had been taken to alter the number of participating teams, urging the public to disregard contrary reports.
CAF also confirmed that the tournament will be held in June and July 2027, while the qualification campaign is scheduled to begin in September/October 2026.
The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with preparations for the continental showpiece continuing.
The clarification effectively ends speculation over a possible expansion or restructuring of the tournament as African national teams prepare for the qualifying series.
