The 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN), initially planned for Guinea and now entrusted to Morocco, could be postponed until early 2026. This news, which sparks a wave of panic and concern in Morocco going all the way to the King, was announced almost officially. The reasons given are multiple and highlight the logistical and calendar challenges facing the country.
Context and triggers
The official reason given for this possible postponement is the coincidence of CAN 2025 with the Club World Cup. The new format of this tournament, involving 32 clubs from five continents, will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025 in the United States. CAN 2025 is scheduled from July 23 to August 21, 2025.
Veron Mosengo-Omba, secretary general of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), explained that holding the CAN immediately after the interclub tournament would not be in the interest of the players, who will have already played the entire season. This overlapping schedules would put excessive pressure on athletes, compromising their performance and health. But CAF immediately denied this information, disavowing its Secretary General. However, not completely either, since the body of African football leaves doubt by specifying that it will deliberate and communicate soon on the subject.
Delays in Infrastructure in Morocco
The other possible reason for a postponement would be the delay taken by Morocco. Indeed, concerns persist regarding the finalization of the infrastructure necessary to host an event of this scale. Delays in some stadium construction and hotel infrastructure projects could hamper the country’s ability to be ready in time for July 2025.
These logistical challenges add an additional layer of uncertainty to the holding of CAN 2025 on the dates initially planned. Above all, unlike the problem of the Club World Cup, the delays in preparation fall directly on Morocco. The responsibility of the Government of Mohammed VI is then directly engaged.
Repercussions and concerns of football stakeholders
The football federations of the participating countries are closely monitoring the situation. A postponement of CAN 2025 could disrupt national calendars and team preparation. Coaches and players, who rely on well-defined programs, could find their plans compromised, requiring significant adjustments to remain competitive. In addition, clubs, particularly European clubs, do not want this to encroach on their national calendar.
Finally, a postponement of the CAN would have significant economic repercussions. Thus, sponsors, broadcasters and local businesses would be directly affected. Host cities, which rely on the influx of visitors and income generated by sports tourism, would suffer significant financial losses. Particularly if the postponement shifts the CAN to a period less conducive to tourism. Additionally, contracts and business partnerships could require renegotiations, adding administrative complexity.
A bad signal for the 2030 World Cup
Morocco must also host matches for the 2030 World Cup. This is a responsibility which heightens the importance of CAN 2025, seen as a life-size test. A postponement of the CAN would send the wrong signal about the country’s capacity to organize large-scale events. The international football community could perceive this as a sign of lack of organization and resources. This would cast shame on Morocco’s ability to host the 2030 World Cup in optimal conditions.
The Cherifian Kingdom is betting a lot on this World Cup, with even the ambition of hosting the final in its future large stadium in Casablanca. A pharaonic project desired by Mohammed VI, with the construction of what must be the second largest stadium in the world. But a postponement of CAN 2025 would be a very bad signal about the country’s capabilities to carry out this major project.
In this context, Morocco must demonstrate its ability to overcome these obstacles and strengthen its credibility as organizer of the 2030 World Cup. The opposite would be a disavowal for Mohammed VI.
