CAF ANNOUNCES NEW DATES FOR 2025 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS IN MOROCCO 

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh  

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a change in the initial dates for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to be held in Morocco. 

Due to FIFA's expansion of its Club World Cup competition to 32 teams, taking place in June and July 2025, the Africa Cup of Nations will now be played from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. 

This marks the first time the tournament will coincide with the Christmas and New Year period.

Key Details:

- Tournament Dates:December 21, 2025 - January 18, 2026

- Host Country: Morocco, hosting for the second time after 1988.

- Participating Teams: 24 teams divided into six groups of four teams each.

- Venues: Nine venues across six cities in Morocco, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Fez.

Notable Changes:

- The tournament was initially scheduled for June and July 2025 but was rescheduled to avoid clashes with the FIFA Club World Cup.

- The new dates may pose challenges for European clubs releasing their African players.

- The tournament's schedule has also been influenced by the expanded Champions League, which begins this season in Europe.

Previous Hosting Issues:

- Guinea was initially set to host the tournament but had its hosting rights stripped due to inadequate preparations.

- Morocco was named the new host on September 27, 2023, after a second bidding process.