Players for the next Africa Cup of Nations will generally leave their clubs around Monday 15 December 2025 , with some variation depending on individual agreements between clubs and national teams.

Key dates in simple terms

  • Official release date:
    FIFA and CAF have set 15 December 2025 as the mandatory date when clubs must release players called up for AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
  • Tournament dates:
    AFCON 2025 is scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 , so the official release date is six days before the opening game.
  • Practical effect for leagues (like the Premier League):
    Most AFCON-bound players are expected to play for their clubs on the weekend of 13–14 December 2025 , then travel to join their national teams from 15 December onwards.

Why the date matters

  • Shortened preparation window:
    FIFA usually requires clubs to release players 14 days before a continental tournament, but for AFCON 2025 this has been cut to about one week , forcing several African teams to change or cancel extended training camps.

  • Club vs country negotiations:
    FIFA and CAF have encouraged “good faith” bilateral talks between clubs and federations, so in practice a few players may either:

    • Leave slightly earlier if their club agrees, or
    • Stay for a specific club match and join up a little later , as long as everyone agrees and the official window is respected.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Is there one fixed day everyone leaves?
    A: The key date is 15 December 2025 , but there can be case-by-case tweaks via agreement between club and national team.
  • Q: How many matches will clubs miss their players for?
    A: Depending on league schedules and how far a player’s team goes, clubs could be without AFCON players from mid-December up to 18 January 2026 , missing several domestic and possibly European fixtures.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.