In an unprecedented move for African football, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to disrupt the traditional festive football calendar. The tournament will now be staged over the Christmas and New Year period, a historic first prompted by the relentless expansion of elite club competitions.
Why Afcon's Dates Were Forced to Change
The 35th edition of the biennial tournament kicks off in Morocco on Sunday 21 December 2025, culminating with the final in Rabat on Sunday 18 January 2026. This schedule marks a significant shift from the initial plan to host the event in July and August 2025, a slot designed to minimise clashes with the European season.
The rescheduling is a direct consequence of two major changes in the global football landscape. Firstly, the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States in June and July 2024, required space in the calendar. Secondly, the new Champions League format, which concludes its league phase in January with extra fixtures, necessitated an earlier start for Afcon.
Clubs and Coaches Voice Their Discontent
The compressed timeline has sparked considerable frustration, particularly regarding player release rules. FIFA confirmed that the mandatory release period for players has been reduced by seven days, meaning clubs only need to release their international stars on Monday 15 December 2025 – less than a week before the tournament begins on the 21st.
This decision has severely cut into crucial preparation time for national team coaches. Angola's head coach, Patrice Beaumelle, was scathing in his criticism, labelling the situation "nonsense." Many European clubs are equally unhappy with the sudden adjustment, which sees their key African players departing during a busy domestic period.
Tournament Details and Host Nation
Morocco will host the tournament after stepping in to replace Guinea, which was stripped of its hosting rights due to concerns over infrastructure. The matches will be spread across nine stadiums in six host cities:
- Rabat
- Casablanca
- Agadir
- Marrakech
- Fes
- Tangier
Ivory Coast enter the competition as the defending champions, aiming to retain their title in what promises to be a uniquely timed and highly contested event.
While the shift may benefit players by ensuring they are sharp from their European club campaigns, it underscores a growing tension. The Africa Cup of Nations, a premier continental competition, is increasingly being squeezed by the commercial and scheduling demands of an expanding club football ecosystem, raising questions about the balance of power in the sport.
