By: Nana Kwame Bediako
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Executive Committee, led by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, convened on Friday, June 21, 2024, in Cairo to deliberate on the scheduling of the highly anticipated tournament. The new dates for the competition have been set from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, shifting from the original summer schedule in June 2025.
The primary catalyst for this rescheduling is the new expanded version of the FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. This tournament, featuring teams from across the globe, including four from Africa, presented challenging fixture congestion that CAF had to navigate. Consequently, the decision to move AFCON to a later date was made to ensure that players and teams could participate in both prestigious events without overexertion.
Adding to the football excitement, the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco remains on schedule, with the tournament set to kick off on July 5, 2025. This event promises to be a celebration of women’s football, highlighting the progress and talent within the sport across the African continent. The continuity of WAFCON amid the rescheduling of AFCON showcases CAF’s commitment to promoting both men’s and women’s football.
The rescheduled dates for AFCON ensure a well-coordinated calendar, allowing players to fully engage with both the Club World Cup and Africa’s premier football tournament. This strategic move by CAF underscores its dedication to fostering football excellence and elevating the sport’s profile on the global stage.
