AFCON Expands to 28 Teams, with a record prize money.

Major Announcements from Patrice Motsepe: A New Era for African Football.

On Wednesday, July 22, in Johannesburg, Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), unveiled a series of ambitious reforms that promise to reshape the landscape of African football. His announcements covered a range of topics from expanding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to unprecedented financial incentives and strategic plans for the future.

AFCON Expands to 28 Teams.

In a historic move, the Africa Cup of Nations will expand to 28 teams starting in 2027. This expansion follows the previous increase to 24 teams in 2019. The expanded tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, from June 19 to July 17, 2027. This decision aims to provide more opportunities for national squads across the continent.

The new format will reorganize the final phase. It will feature seven groups, with the top two teams from each group, alongside the two best third-placed teams, advancing to a final bracket of 16 nations.

AFCON 2027 Preparations on Track.

Concerns about infrastructure delays, particularly in Kenya, were addressed by Motsepe, who reassured stakeholders that preparations are on schedule. The commitment of the host countries—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—is crucial, with ongoing efforts to modernize stadiums, enhance training facilities, and improve hotel and transportation amenities.

Record Prize Money for Women's AFCON

In a groundbreaking move, the prize money for the Women's AFCON will increase by 67%, from $3.475 million to $5.8 million. The allocations are as follows:

1. Champion: $2 million (previously $1 million)
2. Runner-up: $750,000
3. Third place: $500,000

This increase aims to incentivize national federations to invest in women's football, particularly in training and scouting young talent.

Building on Success: World Cup 2026 and Youth Academies

Following the success of African teams in the 2026 World Cup, Motsepe emphasized the need to sustain this momentum. CAF plans to bolster investment in its 54 member associations, focusing on refurbishing stadiums and launching a continent-wide youth academy initiative. This program will provide dual support—academic and athletic—to nurture young talent.

Future AFCON Bids and Governance.

Motsepe outlined the roadmap for future AFCON editions, with bidding processes for the 2028-2036 tournaments now open. CAF is committed to strengthening governance through a club licensing system to ensure financial transparency and regular salary payments. Additionally, enhancing refereeing standards and implementing VAR technology remain top priorities.

Resolving Disputes and Institutional Respect.

Addressing the dispute between Morocco and Senegal over the AFCON 2025 final, Motsepe underscored the importance of respecting institutional decisions. This stance reflects a commitment to maintaining integrity and fairness within African football.

These announcements mark a significant step forward for African football, promising a more inclusive, transparent, and competitive future for the sport on the continent.