AFCON's New 4-Year Cycle: What It Means for Gulf-Based Fans and Travel Plans

AFCON's switch to a four‑year cycle: a game changer for Gulf-based African expats

Short notice, high stakes: when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on 20 December 2025 that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will move from a two‑year to a four‑year cycle starting in 2028, many Gulf‑based fans were left scrambling. For African expats in Bahrain and across the Gulf — who juggle work permits, compressed leave windows, visa rules and often tight travel budgets — that single sentence changes how you plan trips, buy tickets and organise viewing parties for years to come.

Why CAF made the move (and why it matters now)

CAF’s public rationale includes reducing calendar congestion, increasing the tournament’s commercial value, and giving host countries more time to prepare. The change mirrors how other confederations manage their flagship tournaments and aims to raise AFCON’s global profile. But the process was controversial: several federation presidents told media they were only informed at the announcement, prompting claims CAF did not consult members fully.

“The tournament will be played every four years from 2028,” announced CAF president Patrice Motsepe on 20 December 2025 — a decision that has immediate ripple effects for fans worldwide.

Top‑line impact for Gulf fans

In short: AFCON becomes a rarer, bigger event. That increases demand — and costs — for travel and tickets in AFCON years, but it also gives expat communities a longer runway to plan premium experiences. Below we unpack what to expect for travel planning, ticketing and viewing parties, and give practical checklists you can action now in 2026.

1) Travel planning: book smarter, earlier and more flexibly

With AFCON moving to a four‑year rhythm, peak demand will cluster around tournament years. Airlines and hotels will respond with dynamic pricing and early‑bird packages. For Gulf‑based fans this means:

• Start monitoring fares now (2026): set fare alerts for likely host countries. Airlines often release award seats and saver fares 11–12 months out.
• Book refundable or change‑friendly tickets: flexible fares cost more but protect you from sudden schedule changes or work conflicts. Use third‑party insurance that covers tournament cancellations.
• Plan leave well in advance: employers in the Gulf often clear major leave months ahead. Treat AFCON 2028 as you would a family milestone — submit requests early and confirm in writing.
• Check visa and vaccination requirements: many African hosts require e‑visas or yellow fever vaccination certificates. For Bahrain residents, consular processing times vary; start visa paperwork 2–3 months before travel.
• Use multi‑city routing or hub: if direct flights are full or costly, look at flying into a nearby hub and taking a short regional connection — this often saves money and gives schedule buffers.

2) Ticketing: avoid scalpers and verify before you buy

AFCON 2028 will be a premium product. Demand spikes create fraud risk. Your safest ticketing playbook:

• Buy through CAF’s official channels or accredited federations: watch for announcements on national federation sites and verified CAF platforms.
• Register fan accounts early: many tournaments prioritise registered fans and members for ballot sales. Create and verify accounts for you and travel companions now.
• Avoid cash deals and unverified resale sites: use payment methods that offer chargeback or buyer protection. Keep screenshots, receipts and QR codes in a secure folder.
• Understand entry credentials: some hosts may offer digital Fan IDs or accredited passes — know the collection process (on arrival vs. postal delivery) to avoid missing matches.
• Group bookings: if you’re travelling with community groups from Bahrain, pool funds and assign one trusted buyer to handle purchases to consolidate receipts and reduce risk.

3) Viewing parties and public screenings in Bahrain and the Gulf

For many expats, especially those who can’t travel, viewing parties are the heart of AFCON culture. The four‑year cycle changes the calculus: the event becomes less frequent but bigger, and local venues will book up faster. Practical tips for organisers and hosts:

• Book venues 6–12 months ahead: restaurants, cafes and hotel ballrooms in areas like Juffair and Manama’s Diplomatic Area will be in high demand. Secure deposits early and sign clear cancellation terms.
• Secure broadcast rights: confirm that your venue has the legal right to show matches — broadcasters in 2026 often apply geo‑locks, and public screenings may require additional licensing.
• Plan for timezone differences: AFCON host cities in Africa can be 2–4 hours behind Bahrain. Offer pre‑match entertainment and flexible food service for late kickoffs.
• Offer layered ticketing: create standard entry plus premium packages (reserved seating, meal, team fan-kit). This helps recover higher venue costs during premium demand.
• Leverage community organisations: partner with embassies, cultural centres and sports associations to co‑host safe, family‑friendly events that attract sponsors.

4) Local community impact: mobilising the diaspora

A less frequent AFCON raises stakes for national communities across Bahrain — Egyptian, Sudanese, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Senegalese and more. Use the extra time between tournaments to:

• Build registered fan clubs: formal clubs can access priority ticket allocations and sponsorships from local businesses.
• Negotiate group travel packages: work with Gulf‑based travel agencies that specialise in diaspora travel; ask for block bookings, deposit protection and local ground handling.
• Develop local media plans: collaborate with Arabic and English outlets to amplify match schedules, ticketing windows and visa tips for your community.

5) Broadcasting, streaming and rights in 2026: new realities

By 2026 the broadcast landscape has evolved: streaming platforms have multiplied, 5G enables high‑quality mobile viewing, and rights fragmentation means matches may be split across linear TV and digital partners. What this means for Gulf fans:

• Expect multiple platforms: AFCON streams may be on regional sports channels, global OTTs, and federation platforms. Confirm which package covers matches in Bahrain before scheduling a public screening.
• Use verified streams for viewing parties: unauthorised streams risk takedowns mid‑match. Pay for the licensed feed for a stable event.
• Explore VR and second‑screen options: in 2026, premium fans will have access to enhanced replays, multiple camera angles and localised commentary. Factor these into premium ticket packages.

6) Financial planning: budgeting for a rarer, costlier event

AFCON 2028 will be a high‑value event. Budget early to avoid last‑minute price shocks:

1. Estimate total cost per person: include flights, accommodation, match tickets, local transport, food and contingency (15–25%).
2. Use savings plans: set up a dedicated AFCON fund with monthly transfers. For group travel, consider escrow arrangements or managed payments through a trusted travel agent.
3. Lock currency early: if you’ll pay in host‑country currency, consider forward exchange options or prepaid travel cards to avoid volatility during the funding window.

7) Employer relations and leave strategies

Many Gulf employers approve leave months in advance. Treat AFCON 2028 like a major family event to secure time off:

• Submit early and be flexible: propose flexible leave combinations (split leave, unpaid leave if needed) and offer coverage plans for your duties.
• Use documented planning: provide managers with travel itineraries, emergency contacts and a remote‑work plan for low‑bandwidth days if you’ll be abroad.

Actionable timeline for Gulf fans (2026 → AFCON 2028)

Here’s a concise roadmap you can follow. Treat each milestone as a checkpoint to avoid surprises.

• 2026 (Now): Monitor CAF and host announcements; create accounts on official ticket platforms; join local national fan clubs; start saving and set fare alerts.
• 2026–2027 (18–12 months out): Lock flexible flights and refundable hotels; verify visa requirements; register with your embassy and local fan groups; book venue deposits for community screenings.
• 12 months out: Apply for match tickets during ballot phases; arrange travel insurance with tournament coverage; confirm broadcast licensing for public events.
• 6 months out: Finalise accommodation, ground transport and match‑day logistics; purchase local SIMs or roaming packages; communicate with your employer about final leave dates.
• 1 month out: Re‑confirm all bookings, download and secure digital tickets, pack necessary documents (passport, visas, vaccination certificates) and test streaming setups for viewing parties.
• Match week: Arrive early, register with local embassies/consulates, use official transport options if provided by hosts, and keep community contact lists updated.

Real‑world example: how a Bahrain fan group can prepare

Consider the “Bahrain Nigerian Supporters Club.” With AFCON now every four years, they have 24 months to plan a flagship trip. They:

• Set up a dedicated savings plan for members.
• Partnered with a Juffair hotel to hold viewing party deposits that convert to travel discounts if members travel.
• Coordinated with the Nigerian Embassy for community match credentials and safety briefings.

This approach spreads cost and risk, and increases bargaining power with service providers and the embassy.

Risks and pitfalls — and how to avoid them

Every change creates opportunity and risk. Be mindful of:

• Scalped tickets and fraud: buy through verified channels and keep records.
• Hidden costs: service fees, match‑day transport surcharges, and last‑minute hotel premiums.
• Scheduling conflicts: national work cycles, Ramadan, school terms and other events can collide; use the four‑year window to negotiate time off early.
• Broadcast fragmentation: verify which provider holds rights in Bahrain to avoid surprise geo‑blocks at viewing parties.

Looking ahead: trends to watch in 2026–2028

Three developments will shape how Gulf fans experience AFCON moving forward:

• More premiumised fan experiences: fewer tournaments means hosts and sponsors will invest in VIP packages, fan festivals and localised activations.
• Streaming and tech innovation: expect advanced second‑screen features, improved mobile streams via 5G and official digital fan clubs offering exclusive content in Arabic and English.
• Stronger diaspora partnerships: federations and host organisers will increasingly partner with international fan clubs and embassies to provide safer, coordinated experiences for expats.

Final checklist — what to do this month

• Create or update your CAF and national federation accounts.
• Join a community fan group in Bahrain (or start one) to share planning and costs.
• Set up airfare and hotel price alerts for likely host regions.
• Research visa and vaccination requirements for passport holders common in the Gulf.
• Contact local venues now if you plan to host viewing parties — secure dates and licensing terms.

Conclusion — treat AFCON 2028 like a major life event

The CAF decision to move AFCON to a four‑year cycle transforms the tournament from a frequent celebration into a marquee, must‑plan event. For African expats in Bahrain and across the Gulf, that means better opportunities to create premium, coordinated experiences — but it also raises the stakes on planning, ticketing and budgeting. Start early, use trusted channels, and leverage community networks to turn AFCON 2028 into your best‑organised trip yet.

Ready to plan? Take action now

Join the bahrainis.net community to get our AFCON 2028 planning checklist, local viewing‑party listings in Manama and Juffair, and verified ticketing alerts. If you're organising a group trip or a public screening, post your plan on our forum — we’ll share trusted vendors and venue recommendations from other Gulf fans.

Call to action: Sign up for our AFCON 2028 Alerts, join a local fan club, or submit your venue booking to our directory today — don’t wait until prices spike and spaces disappear.

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