The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken a major step towards bringing greater stability and predictability to the continent’s football landscape after approving a comprehensive competitions calendar covering the 2026-2030 period.

The decision was reached during a virtual meeting of the CAF Executive Committee on Friday, October 2, 2026, chaired by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, with the long-term framework designed to give national associations, clubs and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for major competitions.

Rather than relying on short term scheduling, CAF’s new roadmap brings together the continent’s major national team tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Women’s AFCON, U-20 AFCON, U-17 AFCON, U-23 AFCON, Futsal AFCON and Beach Soccer AFCON. 

The calendar also accommodates the newly introduced African Nations League, which is expected to provide a major senior national-team competition during years without a FIFA World Cup.

The next AFCON is scheduled to take place across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, while the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions has already commenced. CAF has also provided a clearer timeline for its inter-club competitions, with the preliminary rounds of the 2026/27 Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns scheduled to begin in September 2026.

The long term approach extends beyond the continent's flagship competitions, incorporating women's football, youth tournaments and specialised formats into one broader framework. 

CAF said the arrangement would enable football associations, clubs, broadcasters, commercial partners and supporters to plan more effectively, while helping clubs and national teams manage the demands of domestic and continental football.

Although the four year calendar is intended to provide greater certainty, CAF stressed that adjustments could still be made when necessary, with any changes to be communicated to its affiliated associations. 

The move nevertheless represents a deliberate attempt by the continental body to create a more coordinated and predictable football environment across Africa.