The African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 has officially been postponed to December 2025 and January 2026, marking the third consecutive delay for the tournament. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the event will now take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, a departure from its originally scheduled July-August timeframe.
This decision follows the scheduling of the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, which prompted concerns about fixture congestion. Initially planned to avoid overlaps with the Club World Cup slated for June 15 to July 13, 2025, the CAN’s rescheduling reflects CAF’s efforts to manage logistical challenges and accommodate international football calendars.
Veron Mosengo-Omba, CAF’s General Secretary, previously hinted at potential postponement discussions, which have now been confirmed. The adjustment will also affect the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”), also set to be hosted in Morocco.
CAN 2025 in Morocco is poised to be a historic edition spanning two calendar years, aiming to minimize conflicts with other major football competitions like the UEFA Champions League. This shift aligns with CAF’s recent adjustments to tournament schedules, ensuring optimal participation and minimal disruption for players and teams across various leagues.
The decision to reschedule underscores CAF’s proactive approach in navigating complex international football logistics, a trend evident since the reorganization of CAN schedules began in 2012.
