The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be postponed by six months and will now take place at the start of 2026. The tournament, which was originally scheduled to be held in June 2025 in Morocco, has been rescheduled due to a clash with the FIFA Club World Cup, set to be held from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.

CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba explained the rationale behind the decision, citing the welfare of the players and the congested football calendar. “We can play after the Club World Cup, but is this good for the interests of the players who have played all the season and then they travel to America to play and then immediately come to play AFCON?” Mosengo-Omba told the BBC.

“Scheduling is a nightmare for everybody,” he added, highlighting the complexities involved in organizing international tournaments without overlapping major events.

The decision aims to ensure that players are not overburdened by back-to-back international commitments, which could affect their performance and health. By moving the tournament to early 2026, CAF hopes to provide a more balanced schedule that allows players adequate rest and preparation time.

The postponement also ensures that AFCON, one of the premier football tournaments in Africa, receives the attention and participation it deserves without being overshadowed by the Club World Cup. This move is expected to benefit both the players and the fans, offering a better footballing experience and maintaining the high standards associated with AFCON.

As the footballing world adjusts to this change, the new dates for AFCON 2026 will be eagerly anticipated by fans and participants alike. Morocco, the host nation, will now have additional time to prepare for what promises to be a spectacular tournament, bringing together the best football talent from across the African continent.