Everything You Need to Know About AFCON

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of football’s most passionate and prestigious tournaments; a festival of skill, culture, and unity across the African continent.

But AFCON isn’t just about the drama on the pitch. For anyone interested in football business, management, or marketing, the tournament offers a fascinating case study in international sport, player development, and event organisation.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: what AFCON is, when it takes place, how often it’s held, and how it influences the global football industry.

⚽ What is AFCON?

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Launched in 1957 with just three teams: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, the competition has grown to include 24 nations battling for the continental crown.

AFCON has provided the stage for footballing icons such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mané, whose success stories have inspired millions and strengthened Africa’s global footballing reputation.

Beyond the competition itself, AFCON represents identity, unity, and ambition, core themes reflected in UCFB’s approach to education and the football industry.

💡 Did You Know?

Egypt is the most successful AFCON nation with seven titles.
Cameroon and Ghana follow with five and four titles respectively.
The tournament has been hosted by 18 different countries since 1957.
Over 500 million viewers watched the 2024 AFCON final.

📅 When is the Africa Cup of Nations?

The Africa Cup of Nations is typically played during January and February, aligning with Africa’s dry season.

However, this often overlaps with the European club calendar, leading to the temporary absence of top players from their clubs. While some club managers find this disruptive, for the players, AFCON represents national pride and the chance to make history for their countries.

The next edition, AFCON 2025, will take place in Morocco, a country investing heavily in football infrastructure and global event hosting.

🔁 How Often is the Africa Cup of Nations?

AFCON is held every two years, making it one of the few major international tournaments to maintain a biennial schedule.

This frequency gives African nations regular opportunities to compete, showcase emerging talent, and sustain commercial growth.

It also presents rich examples for students studying international football business or sports management, where tournament cycles, scheduling, and broadcasting rights play major roles in strategy and operations.

📊 AFCON Fast Facts

Founded: 1957
Current format: 24 teams
Trophy name: The “AFCON Trophy” (current version introduced in 2002)
Organiser: Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Next host nation: Morocco (AFCON 2025)
Frequency: Every two years

🏆 A Brief History of AFCON

AFCON’s journey mirrors Africa’s growth and global presence in football:

1957: The first AFCON is held in Sudan; Egypt wins.
1968: The tournament adopts its biennial format.
1996: South Africa hosts after the end of apartheid, symbolising reintegration into global sport.
2019: AFCON expands to 24 teams.
2024: Ivory Coast hosts and wins on home soil, captivating global audiences.

Each edition tells its own story of passion, unity, and the transformative power of football.

🌍 How AFCON Affects the Football Industry

AFCON doesn’t just capture the hearts of fans – it also reshapes global football business. The tournament impacts clubs, economies, and communities across continents.

1. The Club vs Country Dynamic

AFCON often sparks debate between European clubs and national teams. Premier League sides, for example, can lose key players like Mohamed Salah (Egypt) or Thomas Partey (Ghana) mid-season.

This tension highlights the importance of player management, international scheduling, and organisational governance, core topics explored in UCFB degrees such as the BA (Hons) International Football Business.

From a business perspective, the tournament boosts player visibility, enhances brand value, and influences transfer market trends across global football.

2. Economic and Infrastructural Growth

Hosting AFCON brings huge economic benefits. It drives tourism, creates jobs, and spurs infrastructure development.

When Egypt hosted in 2019, the event injected millions into the economy and elevated the nation’s sporting reputation. Morocco’s AFCON 2025 aims to do the same, with major upgrades to stadiums and transport networks already underway.

For UCFB students studying sports management or football development, AFCON offers a live example of how mega-events can shape national growth strategies.

3. Cultural Power and Fan Engagement

Few tournaments rival AFCON’s atmosphere. The music, dance, colours, and energy of African fans create an unforgettable cultural experience.

For professionals working in sports marketing, event management, or media production, AFCON demonstrates the power of authentic fan engagement. It’s not just football — it’s storytelling, identity, and emotion.

🎓 AFCON and Career Opportunities in Football

AFCON provides rich lessons for anyone aspiring to work in the football industry. It connects sport, business, and education, reflecting the skills required to thrive in global roles.

At UCFB, students explore these themes through programmes such as:

Through case studies, guest speakers, and live projects, students gain insight into how tournaments like AFCON are planned, funded, and broadcast, preparing them for diverse careers across the global sports industry.

Conclusion

The Africa Cup of Nations is more than a football competition; it’s a celebration of culture, ambition, and progress.

From inspiring players to transforming nations, AFCON illustrates how sport can unite people and drive opportunity both on and off the pitch.

For aspiring professionals, it’s also a window into the complex, rewarding world of international sports management, a world you can explore further through a UCFB degree.

Discover more about the next edition of the tournament at UCFB’s AFCON 2025 page and learn how you can build your career in the global game through UCFB’s football and sports programmes.

Search Website