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AFCON Transitions to Biennial, Odd-Year Format

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 6:22 GMT by Sporting News

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How Often Does Africa’s Biggest Football Tournament Really Take Place?
A Deep Dive into the CAF Cup of Nations Calendar

For many football fans worldwide, the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League are the names that come to mind when talking about the biggest competitions in the sport. But in the heart of the African continent, a different tournament holds equal, if not greater, cultural and sporting importance: the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While most casual observers might simply think of AFCON as a quadrennial event, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has, over the past decade, re‑engineered the tournament’s rhythm in a way that has reshaped the football calendar across the continent. Below is a comprehensive summary of how often AFCON takes place, why the schedule changed, and what that means for players, clubs, and fans.

The Early Years: A Four‑Year Tradition

When the AFCON first kicked off in 1957—back when the competition was still known as the African Nations Cup—CAF settled on a four‑year cycle. The tournament was held in the same manner as other continental championships, with the final tournament taking place every even‑numbered year, while qualification stages ran the preceding odd year. This schedule meant that a national side would be focused on AFCON for roughly a single, two‑year period: a year of qualifiers, followed by a short window of the final tournament.

The four‑year rhythm worked well for the first half of the 20th century. It offered a clear window for national team coaches to build squads, allowed clubs to plan their season without worrying about international duty too often, and gave fans a sense of anticipation every four years. Yet by the 2010s, the African football landscape was changing dramatically.

The 2016 CAF Decision: Shift to Biennial (Odd‑Year) Format

In a historic meeting in 2016, CAF voted to alter the tournament’s frequency and calendar. The key points of the new policy were:

1. Biennial Tournament – AFCON would now be held every two years instead of every four.
2. Odd‑Year Schedule – The final tournament would take place in odd‑numbered years (2015, 2017, 2019, etc.).
3. Expanded Team List – Starting in 2019, the final stage would expand from 16 to 24 teams.

This change was motivated by several interlocking reasons:

• Reducing Calendar Congestion – National teams were increasingly caught in a tug‑of‑war between CAF tournaments, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the growing African Nations League. By shifting AFCON to odd years, CAF could avoid clashes with FIFA’s even‑year tournaments and allow players more rest and preparation time.
• Economic Incentives – A biennial format creates more regular commercial revenue for CAF, its member associations, and the host nations. It also gives African broadcasters a steady stream of high‑profile matches.
• Competitive Development – More frequent tournaments mean that emerging football nations get additional chances to test themselves on a big stage, speeding up the overall development of football across the continent.

The decision was not without controversy. Some argued that the extra tournament would overburden African players who ply their trade in European leagues. Others worried about the financial burden on host countries. Nevertheless, the majority of CAF’s 54 member federations voted in favour, signalling a willingness to adapt to a modern, global football economy.

Practical Implications of the New Calendar

Qualification Process

Under the biennial schedule, the qualification phase takes place in the year before the final tournament. For example, teams vying for the 2019 edition began qualifying in early 2017. This staggered approach keeps national teams busy almost year‑round, which has sparked discussions around player fatigue and the need for stronger squad depth.

Player Availability

European clubs now have to be more vigilant about release windows. AFCON’s odd‑year placement means that the tournament falls outside of the typical January transfer window. Players in the European league are still required to leave in the summer transfer window to join their national teams, which can affect club strategies and squad stability. Some clubs now negotiate longer loan periods for African internationals to mitigate this issue.

Host Nations and Infrastructure

The biennial schedule gives host nations less time between tournaments to upgrade infrastructure, leading to the push for shared hosting models (e.g., the 2023 AFCON was co‑hosted by Ivory Coast). It also forces CAF to set clear guidelines on stadium requirements and safety standards to ensure consistent quality across successive tournaments.

Recent and Upcoming Tournaments

Note: While the 2023 tournament was indeed played in Ivory Coast, the CAF has earmarked Ivory Coast to host again in 2025. This is a unique arrangement, illustrating how hosting rights can sometimes extend beyond the standard one‑time allotment.

The Bigger Picture: CAF’s Calendar Reimagined

CAF’s move to a biennial AFCON schedule is part of a broader strategy to streamline its entire calendar. Alongside the Africa Nations League—a competition featuring only domestic‑league players—and a new CAF Champions League schedule, the continent is working to make its competitions more distinct, more commercially viable, and more player‑friendly.

The changes also have ripple effects on the African football ecosystem. Local leagues, for instance, have to accommodate the AFCON schedule, often shortening their seasons or altering fixture lists to avoid clashes. Meanwhile, African clubs abroad—especially those in Europe's top leagues—are negotiating loan deals that consider the new AFCON calendar to maximize player development and availability for national duty.

Final Thoughts

The Africa Cup of Nations has always been a source of pride, passion, and, occasionally, controversy. The 2016 decision to convert it into a biennial, odd‑year event marked a decisive shift in how CAF views its role in the global football narrative. While the change presents challenges—such as increased fixture congestion and player fatigue—it also offers benefits: a more frequent showcase for African talent, enhanced commercial opportunities, and a more predictable calendar for national teams and clubs alike.

For fans and analysts alike, understanding AFCON’s new cycle is essential. It informs everything from transfer market dynamics to national team tactics and shapes how African football will evolve in the years ahead. As we approach the 2025 edition, the continent will once again gather in Ivory Coast (or another host nation) to celebrate the game’s most celebrated tournament—now a biennial staple in an increasingly interconnected football world.