Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations finals from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. Originally planned for mid-year in Morocco, the tournament was moved due to FIFA’s new expanded Club World Cup with 32 teams in the United States the following June and July. Additionally, the Women’s Cup of Nations finals have also been postponed by 12 months until July 5-26 the following year, and both tournaments will be hosted in Morocco.
The decision to move the tournament dates was made after careful consideration and discussions with various parties to accommodate the crowded international calendar. CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized the organization’s commitment to African players competing in clubs worldwide and fostering positive relationships with other football confederations and FIFA.
The change in schedule for the 2025 finals is intended to address the challenge faced by European-based African players who have to choose between representing their national teams and fulfilling their club commitments during the European league season. Initially set to take place mid-year as a solution, the finals have been hosted in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast at the start of the year in recent editions.
Qualifiers for the 2025 Cup of Nations will take place in September, October, and November of this year, followed by a year-long wait for
