The AFCON 2025 organizers have revealed that the competition will take place six months later than planned due to conflict with the 32-team Club World Cup. Originally slated to take place in June, AFCON 2025 will now be held in Morocco. Meanwhile, the Club World Cup will be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13. The BBC was informed by Veron Mosengo-Omba, the general secretary of CAF, that the AFCON will now take place in early 2026, recognizing the urgent need to resolve schedule difficulties.

Mosengo-Omba raised worries about player welfare, raising doubts about the viability of players competing in the AFCON and the Club World Cup in quick succession. "For the men, it is imperative that we ensure the dates we select will benefit the players." To do this, we must weigh a variety of factors, consult with our partners, and then finalize [the dates]. Everyone finds scheduling to be a nightmare, according to Mosengo-Omba.