CAN 2027: CAF completely in confusion

While Patrice Motsepe caused a stir yesterday by announcing at a press conference that CAN 2027 would expand from 24 to 28 teams, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ultimately surprised everyone with a statement to set the record straight.

"We have increased the number of participants for the next edition of the CAN; it will go up to 28 teams," declared Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF. This statement sparked a flurry of reactions, especially as the CAF president expressed a desire to further expand the tournament to provide more opportunities for African national teams.

Amid the confusion, CAF released an official statement to deny this information. "Clarification: During Wednesday's press conference, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will feature 24 national teams. Reports circulating in certain media suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. CAN 2027 will take place in June-July 2027, with qualifiers set to begin in September/October 2026." the statement read.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will therefore retain its current 24-team format.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations