CAF confirms 24-team format for AFCON 2027, dismisses expansion claims

The Confederation of African Football has dismissed reports claiming that the format of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will change, confirming that the tournament will retain its 24-team structure.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe made the clarification during a press conference on Wednesday, reaffirming that the TotalEnergies AFCON 2027 will feature 24 participating nations.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, CAF debunked media reports suggesting an expansion of the competition.

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“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 are untrue. The AFCON 2027 will be played in June-July 2027, and the qualifiers will start in September/October 2026,” the statement read.

CAF stressed that no decision has been taken to alter the number of participating teams, urging the public to disregard contrary reports.

The 2027 tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking the first time the three East African nations will jointly stage Africa’s biggest football competition.

Qualification matches are scheduled to begin in September and October 2026 as teams across the continent compete for places at the finals.

CAF’s clarification ends speculation over the tournament’s format and provides certainty for participating nations as preparations for the qualifiers gather pace.

Editorial note: The story is well structured and newsworthy. The revision corrects the typo in “202,6,” tightens the language, avoids repetition, and strengthens the lead by foregrounding CAF’s official confirmation while maintaining a neutral, publication-ready tone.