Motsepe Confirms Annual African Nations League Launch from 2029; Morocco to Face North African Derbies

13 February 2026at14:31

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed the football body's commitment to launching the "African Nations League" competition, starting from 2029.

Motsepe explained that all 54 member associations will participate in this competition, which will be held annually, and will see national teams compete based on regions.

Consequently, the Moroccan national team will engage in strong "derbies" against Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, in addition to Mauritania, which recently joined the North African Football Union.

It is worth noting that the African Nations League will be divided into 4 regions, and the champion of each region will qualify for the final stage, which is expected to be held in a specific country (possibly Nigeria for the 2029 edition).

Q&A

What does the new African Nations League imply for Morocco's national team?

Morocco's national team will compete in strong regional derbies against Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Mauritania, as part of the new annual African Nations League starting in 2029, intensifying regional rivalries.

How will the African Nations League competition be structured?

The African Nations League will include all 54 CAF member associations, organized into four regions. Regional champions will advance to a final stage, with Nigeria potentially hosting the 2029 edition.