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The Africa Cup of Nations (commonly abbreviated AFCON) is the flagship continental football championship for national teams organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Since the first edition in 1957, AFCON has grown from a small regional competition into one of the most-watched football tournaments in the world — a showcase of talent, culture, and continental pride. This article brings together the tournament’s history, format, records, memorable matches, economic and cultural impact, women's competition, hosting considerations, and the road ahead.
Quick Facts & Recent Editions
The most recent completed edition of AFCON (the 2023 tournament, played in early 2024) was won by Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) on home soil. The next scheduled edition is set to take place in Morocco in late 2025 — an edition organised slightly later in the year than usual due to global football calendar adjustments. AFCON’s all-time most successful nation remains Egypt, with seven titles.
History and Evolution
AFCON began with only three competing teams (Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia) in 1957. Over the decades the tournament expanded with the independence of African nations and the development of CAF itself. The competition format and size changed several times: from a four-team finals in early years to 16 teams for many years, and then, from 2019 onward, to a 24-team finals format — a change designed to broaden participation and give more nations a chance to appear on Africa’s biggest stage.
Milestones
- 1957: Inaugural edition (Egypt champions).
- 1980s–1990s: Growth in participation and stadium infrastructure across Africa.
- 2006–2010: Egypt wins three consecutive titles (an unmatched feat in modern AFCON history).
- 2019: Expansion of final tournament to 24 teams.
- 2023 (played in early 2024): Ivory Coast wins the tournament at home — a landmark achievement for Ivorian football.
Format: How Teams Qualify and the Finals Structure
Qualification is conducted across CAF member nations in a series of group and knockout fixtures. The 24 teams that reach the final tournament are drawn into six groups of four. The top two teams in each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance to a 16-team knockout phase (Round of 16), followed by quarterfinals, semifinals and the final. Matches in the knockout phase go to extra time and, if needed, penalties.
- Qualification stage: Group-based qualification across CAF zones and fixtures.
- Group stage: 24 teams divided into six groups of four.
- Knockout stage: Round of 16 → Quarterfinals → Semifinals → Final.
Hosts, Venues & Preparation
Hosting AFCON is a major national undertaking: stadia must meet CAF standards, transport networks and accommodation capacity must be ensured, and security and broadcast infrastructure must be arranged. Hosts often use AFCON to accelerate stadium renovation and urban projects that remain beneficial long after the competition ends.
| Edition | Host | Champion | Runner-up | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (played Feb 2024) | Ivory Coast | Ivory Coast | Nigeria | Home triumph in Abidjan, dramatic comeback in final |
| 2021 (played Jan 2022) | Cameroon | Senegal | Egypt | Senegal’s first AFCON title |
| 2025 (scheduled) | Morocco | — | — | 9 host venues across 6 cities (Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026) |
What hosting entails
Host nations must present a bid that demonstrates adequate stadiums (pitch quality, lighting), training grounds, hotels, airports, public transport and security plans. CAF evaluates bids based on these criteria and the potential for legacy benefit to local football and infrastructure.
Records — Teams, Players, and Statistics
AFCON has produced many records and superlatives that are part of the tournament’s lore.
- Most titles (nation): Egypt — 7 titles, the highest in AFCON history.
- Most goals (player, all-time): Samuel Eto’o — 18 goals across multiple tournaments, the record for AFCON scoring.
- Notable multi-title players: Several players have won multiple AFCONs across dominant national eras (e.g., Egyptian players in the 2006–2010 run).
Memorable Finals & Iconic Moments
AFCON has delivered unforgettable games: shock upsets, last-minute winners and emotional penalty shootouts. Key stories include underdog triumphs, host nation glory, and finals that united a continent in celebration. Ivory Coast’s 2023 victory in Abidjan became a defining modern memory — both for the players and the immense local celebration that followed.
“At AFCON, national pride is played out on the field. Wins mean more than trophies; they can unite millions.”
Famous African football commentator
Economic & Social Impact
AFCON brings immediate economic benefits: tourism, hospitality, broadcasting deals, and sponsorship revenues flow into host economies. On the social side, the tournament can boost national morale and foster cross-cultural exchange amongst Africa’s diverse populations.
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
The Women’s AFCON (WAFCON) began in 1991 and has progressively grown in visibility, competitiveness, and investment. It acts as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and plays a crucial role in raising the standard of women’s football in Africa.
Youth Development & Legacy Programmes
CAF and many national federations run youth and grassroots programmes tied to AFCON cycles. Legacy programs frequently include stadium upgrades used for national leagues and youth academies, ensuring that host-country investments benefit future generations.
CAF development initiatives
CAF supports coaching education, referee development and grassroots programmes. AFCON often acts as a catalyst for these investments.
Broadcast & media evolution
Television and streaming rights have grown, bringing AFCON to global audiences. Digital platforms and social media now play a decisive role in fan engagement.
Stadium & transport upgrades
Hosts commonly renovate multiple stadiums, which supports domestic leagues and increases ticketing revenue post-tournament.
Environmental sustainability
CAF and host nations are increasingly considering sustainable stadium design, waste reduction and public transport to lower the tournament’s environmental impact.
How AFCON Fits Into the Global Football Calendar
AFCON traditionally ran in January–February, which occasionally caused tension with European clubs employing many African internationals. Recent scheduling adjustments (including hosting the 2025 edition in December 2025–January 2026) reflect coordination with FIFA competitions and club calendars to reduce conflict and allow better player availability and recovery time.
Tickets, Travel & How to Watch
Fans attending AFCON should secure tickets through official CAF and host-nation channels. Broadcast rights vary by region; the tournament is widely distributed on continental sports networks and increasingly on streaming platforms. Always use official ticketing portals and registered travel agencies to avoid scams.
Practical Guide for Supporters
- Buy tickets only from official outlets or national federation sales desks.
- Check visa and vaccination requirements well before travel.
- Plan accommodation and transport early; AFCON match days generate high demand.
- Respect local laws and stadium codes of conduct.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the Africa Cup of Nations held?
AFCON is typically held every two years. Occasionally the tournament calendar is adjusted for scheduling reasons (for example, to accommodate global competitions and club calendars).
Who has won the most AFCON titles?
Egypt holds the record for the most Africa Cup of Nations titles, with seven championships to their name.
Which player is AFCON’s all-time top scorer?
Samuel Eto’o is AFCON’s all-time leading scorer, with 18 goals across several tournaments.
When and where is the next edition of AFCON?
The next AFCON edition is scheduled to be hosted by Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with matches across several cities and nine stadiums chosen for the finals.
Looking Ahead — Challenges and Opportunities
AFCON’s future depends on sustainable hosting models, continued investment in grassroots football, and expanding digital access for fans worldwide. CAF’s efforts to professionalise competitions, introduce modern officiating tools (such as VAR), and work with global partners present opportunities for growth. At the same time, careful financial planning by host nations is essential to maximise long-term benefits and avoid stranded infrastructure.
“Every edition of AFCON writes a new chapter in African football — full of drama, history and hope.”
Anonymous
