AFCON 2025 Postponed to August: CAF Confirms New Dates
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially rescheduled the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to August, citing the need for additional time to enhance infrastructure in host nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed a rescheduling of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The prestigious tournament, originally set for February 2025, will now take place in August 2025. This decision impacts the three co-host nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—who have been working tirelessly to prepare their cities and facilities for the continental competition.
CAF cited the need for additional time to complete critical infrastructure upgrades as the primary reason for the delay. The renovations include the enhancement of stadiums, hotels, training grounds, and medical centers. Recent assessments by technical experts in these host countries indicated that while progress had been made, more time was necessary to meet the highest standards required for the event.
Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, expressed his gratitude toward the leaders of the host nations, acknowledging their efforts to improve the quality of facilities. He said, "I would like to thank the Presidents of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda for their dedication to ensuring that these nations will be ready to host the tournament in August 2025. The facilities will meet global standards, and we are excited about the prospects for the tournament." Motsepe also confirmed that the tournament's official draw would take place in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, on the upcoming Wednesday.
The decision to move the tournament to August 2025 is likely to be welcomed by European football clubs, who have frequently raised concerns about the timing of the tournament during the European football season. The competition, traditionally held in January and February, often led to African players being unavailable for crucial club matches due to their participation. By shifting AFCON to the European off-season, the tournament will minimize disruptions to club schedules, fostering better collaboration between CAF and international clubs.
This adjustment marks a pivotal moment for CAF, highlighting its commitment to delivering a world-class event. The new timing provides ample space for the host nations to refine their preparations and ensure that every detail is in place to create an exceptional tournament. As work continues, all eyes will be on the August 2025 AFCON, with expectations high for a spectacular continental football event that will captivate fans across the globe.