CAF Sets African Nations League Format; Morocco to Feature in North African Derbies

Following earlier confirmation of the African Nations League, CAF President Patrice Motsepe outlined today, during the press briefing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the detailed format and schedule for the competition, which will officially begin in 2029.

The idea behind the league is to ensure high-level football continues every single year. It gives all 54 African nations a proper competition to play in, rather than leaving them idle while waiting for the next AFCON, now held every four years.

Motsepe explained that the league aims to deliver annual elite-level football for all member nations, foster regional rivalries and competitive growth, and align African football more closely with European and international calendars. Plus, it would also give African players a regular platform to showcase their abilities, rather than waiting years for the next AFCON.

“African football is enormously attractive.” ~ CAF President, Patrice Motsepe #FUFATvUpdates | #HomeOfUgandanSport pic.twitter.com/zWv7UvRBkX

— FUFA Tv (@fufatv1) February 13, 2026

Zonal structure and regional Derbies

The African Nations League will be divided into four geographic zones:

North Africa (6 nations): Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Mauritania
East Africa (16 nations) including: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Rwanda.
West Africa (16 nations) including: Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Central and Southern Africa (16 nations) including: RD Congo, South Africa, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.

Teams will play within their zones in a group phase, producing regional champions who advance to the continental final stage, which is expected to be hosted in a single country. Nigeria is reportedly a candidate to host the finals in 2029.

The North African group is expected to be particularly intense. Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Mauritania will all face off, creating major local derbies from the outset.

Matches will take place during FIFA international windows in September and October, with the final tournament staged in November. CAF has also indicated an exceptional prize pool of $10 million for the overall winner.

The African Nations League is basically filling the gap left by AFCON, which is moving to a four-year cycle starting in 2028. It is now following the same spirit as the UEFA Nations League (albeit with a different format), giving national teams steady, high-intensity games while avoiding excessive strain on players who already face demanding club schedules.