The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the anticipated dates for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a strategic decision to hold the prestigious tournament in July and August next year. The decision comes after intense negotiations and discussions between CAF and the Moroccan Football Federation, ultimately gaining the support of FIFA.
The confirmation brings an end to the suspense surrounding the scheduling of the tournament, especially following CAF President Patrice Motsepe’s earlier reluctance to disclose the event’s dates. The choice of July and August not only reflects a compromise but also avoids a potential clash with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, slated to unfold in North America during the same period.
A confidential source from the competitions committee revealed to AFP on Monday that “an agreement in principle” had been reached, specifying the proposed dates as July 20 to August 16 or 17, 2025. The negotiations, initiated several months ago, gained momentum during the conclusion of the last edition held in Ivory Coast.
The move to a summer timeframe seeks to streamline the tournament schedule and accommodate both players and fans alike, given the challenges posed by holding AFCON in January and February. The last two editions witnessed schedule adjustments – the 2021 tournament, hosted by Cameroon, was played in early 2022, while the most recent edition was rescheduled due to weather concerns.
Notably, the qualifying rounds for the 2025 AFCON have yet to kick off, with a preliminary round scheduled for the upcoming month. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding of the qualification process and the subsequent anticipation building up to the marquee event.
Looking ahead, the 2027 Cup of Nations has already made headlines, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania set to jointly host the tournament. As Africa gears up for an exciting future of football, the spotlight remains firmly on the upcoming 2025 AFCON in Morocco, promising a summer spectacle that fans across the continent eagerly anticipate.