The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly reached a tentative agreement to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in July and August next year in Morocco, according to an anonymous CAF official speaking to AFP.
Earlier this month, CAF President Patrice Motsepe refrained from confirming the tournament’s dates, citing concerns over the limited time available for qualifying matches if the event were to be scheduled for January and February.
However, scheduling the tournament for June and July next year would pose a conflict with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup slated for North America.
The official disclosed that there is “an agreement in principle” between CAF and the Moroccan Football Federation to hold the AFCON during the summer months, specifically in July and August 2025. This accord reportedly received FIFA’s backing after extensive discussions that intensified during the recently concluded tournament in Ivory Coast.
The proposed dates for the 2025 AFCON are July 20 to August 16 or 17, 2025. Recent editions of the Africa Cup of Nations experienced scheduling alterations. The 2021 tournament, initially set to take place in Cameroon, was rescheduled to January and February 2022.
Similarly, the most recent edition, originally planned for June and July last year, was postponed due to weather concerns.
Qualification matches for the 2025 AFCON have yet to commence, with a preliminary round scheduled for the upcoming month. Looking ahead, the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Source: AFP
