The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins today, December 21, marking the first time the tournament has ever been held in December.
While the move helps avoid clashes with the January restart of European club competitions, it has triggered backlash from coaches over a “nonsense” one-week preparation window.
Matches are being played in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. No matches will be held on December 25.
Originally planned for summer 2025, the event moved to winter to accommodate FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that from 2028, AFCON will switch from every two years to a four-year cycle to better align with the global football calendar.
The tournament serves as a vital dress rehearsal for Morocco before it co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.
Despite the shortened training period for squads, organizers expect the stable winter climate to provide ideal playing conditions for the defending champions, Ivory Coast, and their challengers.
