Africa Cup of Nations

RFI » Seasons 2015-2019

The African Cup of Nations, or AFCON, is a national team tournament run by the African Football Confederation (CAF). This competition is held once every two years and had its first edition in 1957. It was decided to hold this competition during odd years, so its celebration didn’t interfere with the FIFA World Cup.

The first edition of this tournament was played by only three teams. For the first time ever, twenty-four teams will be involved in the upcoming edition of this tournament, which is set to be played in 2019.

The new number of teams will also bring a change in format. All 24 teams will be drawn in six groups, with the two best sides making it to the KO stage. The four best third-place teams will also enter the final stage. 

The 2017 edition was the last to be played by 16 teams. The tournament was played from January 14 to February 5th, and Cameroon took home their fifth title.

The 2019 AFCON will be played in Cameroon from June 15 to July 13, 2019. This will be the first time in which the tournament is held during the summer, mainly to keep it from interfering with clubs that are forced to part ways with their players for over a month. The winner of this tournament will also earn the right to play in the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Did you know? Egypt is the most winning team in the African Cup of Nations, having won seven titles up to this date. The Pharaohs won their most recent title in 2010.