AFCON 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026. From tournament dates and team formats to tickets, TV coverage, and prize money, we've got everything you need to know about Africa's premier football tournament covered.
When is AFCON 2026 taking place?
AFCON 2026 is scheduled to take place from January to February 2026. The Africa Cup of Nations traditionally occurs in the first two months of the year, though exact dates are confirmed by CAF (Confederation of African Football) closer to the tournament. The tournament typically spans about one month, including group stages, knockout rounds, and the final. Fans can check our AFCON scores and fixtures page for the complete match schedule once officially announced by CAF.
Which countries are hosting AFCON 2026?
The host country for AFCON 2026 will be announced by CAF. Recent AFCON tournaments have been hosted by nations including Côte d'Ivoire (2023), Cameroon (2021), and Egypt (2019). The bidding process considers stadium infrastructure, accommodation, transportation, and the ability to host 24 teams across multiple venues. Once the host is confirmed, our AFCON venue guide will provide detailed information about all stadiums and host cities.
How many teams participate in AFCON?
Since 2019, the Africa Cup of Nations has featured 24 teams, expanded from the previous 16-team format. The expansion has made AFCON more competitive and exciting, with more nations having the opportunity to participate in Africa's premier football tournament. The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group plus the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stages of AFCON.
Which country has won the most AFCON titles?
Egypt holds the record for the most AFCON titles with seven championships (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010). Cameroon follows with five titles, while Ghana has won four times. Other multiple winners include Nigeria (3 titles), Algeria (2 titles), and Côte d'Ivoire (2 titles). The current champions are Côte d'Ivoire, who won the 2023 tournament on home soil, defeating Nigeria in the final.
How can I watch AFCON 2026 live on TV?
Broadcasting rights for AFCON 2026 vary by region. In Africa, major broadcasters like SuperSport, beIN Sports, and Canal+ typically hold rights. In Europe, broadcasters including beIN Sports, Sky Sports, and others may show matches. In the Americas, ESPN and Fox Sports have historically carried AFCON coverage. Our AFCON TV schedule page provides comprehensive information about broadcasters in your country and how to watch live matches, including streaming options.
Where can I buy official AFCON 2026 tickets?
Official AFCON tickets will be available through authorized channels once they go on sale. Tickets are typically sold through the official CAF website, the host country's ticketing platform, and authorized ticket agents. It's important to only purchase from official sources to avoid counterfeit tickets. Our AFCON tickets guide provides detailed information on pricing categories, sales phases, and how to securely purchase tickets for group stages, knockout matches, and the final.
What is the format of the AFCON tournament?
AFCON 2026 will follow the expanded 24-team format introduced in 2019. The tournament begins with a group stage featuring six groups of four teams. Each team plays three group matches. The top two teams from each group (12 teams) plus the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16. From there, it's a knockout format including quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place play-off, and the final. Our AFCON standings page tracks group stage progress, while our scores page follows all knockout matches.
Who are the top goalscorers in AFCON history?
The all-time top scorer in AFCON history is Laurent Pokou from Côte d'Ivoire, who scored 14 goals across two tournaments (1968 and 1970). Other legendary AFCON scorers include Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon, 18 goals overall), Hossam Hassan (Egypt, 13 goals), and Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria, 13 goals). During each tournament, the leading scorer receives the Golden Boot award. Our AFCON top scorers page tracks the current golden boot race and historical scoring records.
How do teams qualify for AFCON?
AFCON qualification takes place through a series of qualifying matches organized by CAF. The 54 African nations are drawn into groups, and teams play home-and-away matches against group opponents. The group winners and runners-up typically qualify for the tournament finals. Some teams receive automatic qualification as hosts. The qualification process usually begins 1-2 years before the main tournament and provides exciting football as nations compete for AFCON spots.
What prizes do the AFCON winners receive?
The AFCON champions receive the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations trophy, a gold medal for each player and staff member, a significant cash prize (typically around $5 million for the winners), and the title of African champions for two years. The runners-up also receive a cash prize (around $2.5-3 million). More importantly, AFCON glory brings national pride and qualification for the FIFA Confederations Cup (when that tournament is active).
Can I attend AFCON 2026 matches as a foreign visitor?
Yes, international visitors are welcome at AFCON tournaments, and football fans from around the world travel to support their teams. Visitors will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality and the host country. The host nation typically implements special visa processes for AFCON ticket holders. Our AFCON tickets and venue guide pages provide information for international fans, including travel tips, accommodation advice, and how to get match tickets from abroad.
What stadiums will host AFCON 2026 matches?
The stadiums for AFCON 2026 will be determined based on the host country. AFCON tournaments require at least 6 stadiums meeting CAF requirements for capacity, facilities, and infrastructure. Host cities typically include the capital and other major cities with modern stadiums. Past tournaments have used venues like Stade Olympique de Radès (Tunisia), Cairo International Stadium (Egypt), and Japoma Stadium (Cameroon). Our AFCON venue guide will provide detailed information about all 2026 host stadiums once announced.
How often is the Africa Cup of Nations held?
The Africa Cup of Nations is held every two years. The tournament has followed a biennial schedule since 1968, with only a few exceptions. Previously held in even-numbered years, AFCON moved to odd-numbered years starting in 2013 to avoid conflict with the FIFA World Cup. Recent discussions about changing the frequency to every four years have occurred, but as of 2023, the tournament remains a biennial competition, making AFCON 2026 the next edition after 2023.
Who won the previous AFCON tournament?
Côte d'Ivoire won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in a dramatic final played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. It was Côte d'Ivoire's second AFCON title, their first since 1992. The tournament featured memorable performances, including the host nation's remarkable comeback journey after a shaky group stage. Previous winners include Senegal (2021), Algeria (2019), and Cameroon (2017). Our AFCON history page has complete information on all past winners.
What is the prize money for AFCON 2026?
While exact figures for AFCON 2026 prize money will be confirmed by CAF closer to the tournament, recent AFCON tournaments have awarded approximately $5-7 million to the champions. The runners-up typically receive around $2.5-3.5 million, with teams reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals also receiving substantial payouts. All 24 participating teams receive some prize money, with amounts decreasing based on how far they progress in the tournament.
Still Have Questions About AFCON?
The Africa Cup of Nations is Africa's biggest football tournament, and there's always more to learn. Whether you're wondering about how to buy tickets, where to watch matches, or historical tournament facts, our comprehensive AFCON guide has you covered.
Explore our complete coverage including live scores and fixtures, tournament standings, team squads, and much more as we count down to AFCON 2026.
Quick AFCON Reference
Tournament Format
- • 24 teams
- • 6 groups of 4
- • Top 2 advance
- • 4 best 3rd places
- • Knockout from Round of 16
Most Successful Teams
- • Egypt: 7 titles
- • Cameroon: 5 titles
- • Ghana: 4 titles
- • Nigeria: 3 titles
- • Algeria: 2 titles
Related AFCON Reading
AFCON History & Past Winners
Complete history of the Africa Cup of Nations from 1957 to present
Team Squads & Player Information
Detailed roster information for all AFCON 2026 participating teams
Stadium & Venue Information
Guide to AFCON host stadiums and cities for 2026
Official Ticket Information
How to buy AFCON 2026 tickets safely and securely
TV & Streaming Schedule
Find out where to watch AFCON matches in your region
Betting Odds & Predictions
Expert analysis and betting tips for AFCON 2026