The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved a new competitions calendar covering the 2026-2030 period, setting out a longer-term schedule for national teams, clubs and other stakeholders across African football.The decision follows a virtual CAF Executive Committee meeting chaired by president, Patrice Motsepe on Friday, October 2, 2026.The move is aimed at giving member associations and clubs greater certainty when planning their seasons, while also improving coordination between CAF competitions and the wider international football calendar.The long-term schedule includes major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Womens AFCON, U-20 AFCON, U-17 AFCON, U-23 AFCON, Futsal AFCON and Beach Soccer AFCON.CAFs plans also include the newly introduced African Nations League, which is intended to provide a major senior national-team competition during years when there is no FIFA World Cup.The next AFCON will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, while CAF has already begun the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions.The approved calendar also provides a clearer roadmap for CAFs interclub competitions, including the Champions League and Confederation Cup. The preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 campaign are scheduled to start in September 2026.Womens football, youth competitions and other specialised formats have also been incorporated into the long-term plan.CAF says the extended calendar will help national associations, clubs, broadcasters, commercial partners and supporters plan ahead with greater certainty, while allowing teams to better coordinate their domestic and continental commitments.The Confederation noted that the calendar remains subject to adjustments where necessary, with any changes to be communicated to its affiliated associations.
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