Africa Cup of Nations Games: Schedule and Controversies

Few football decisions have rattled a continent quite like CAF’s ruling that stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations title and handed it to Morocco. That verdict, announced in March 2026, is only one chapter in a story that also includes a postponed women’s tournament, new co-hosts for 2027, and disciplinary points deductions. If you’ve been searching for clarity on the Africa Cup of Nations games, controversies, and what happens next—this is where the facts live.

AFCON most titles: Egypt (7) · Recent controversy: Morocco declared champion after CAF stripped Senegal’s title · WAFCON 2026 status: Postponed due to combination of factors · Next AFCON host (2027): East African nations (co-hosts) · Bafana Bafana points deduction: FIFA docked 3 points (as reported)

The table below summarizes the most important details about the ongoing controversies and changes in African football.

Why Did Morocco Win the AFCON?

The CAF Appeal Board ruled on 17 March 2026 that Senegal had violated Article 82 of the competition regulations, triggering Article 84 and a 3-0 forfeiture outcome. CAF Online (governing body of African football) stated that Senegal “was declared to have forfeited the match.” That turned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win into a 3-0 default victory for Morocco, as ESPN (sports news outlet) reported.

Did CAF cancel Senegal’s win?

Technically, yes—the board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, so the result was reversed. CAF’s media statement explicitly uses the phrase “declared to have forfeited the match.” The decision awards Morocco its first African title since 1976, according to ESPN.

What are the age-cheating allegations against Senegal?

• DW News (German public broadcaster) reported that the Senegalese federation planned to appeal and that the government called for an international investigation into suspected corruption at CAF.
• The ruling has been widely interpreted through a political lens as a north-south power struggle, per DW News.

Why Is WAFCON 2026 Postponed?

According to CAF’s official communications, the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed due to a combination of factors including infrastructure and funding challenges. The specific reasons have not been detailed, and no new date has been set. This development leaves players and fans in limbo.

What “combination of factors” led to the postponement?

CAF cited “a combination of factors” without elaborating. The lack of transparency has drawn criticism from women’s football advocates. No further update from CAF has been published at the time of writing.

The postponement risks undermining the growing momentum of women’s football on the continent, and the onus is on CAF to share a concrete plan.

Which Country Is Hosting the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations?

The host for the 2026 AFCON (men’s) remains unconfirmed. However, the 2027 edition has been awarded to a trio of East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—the first co-hosted men’s AFCON for the region.

Which country is hosting the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations?

The host for WAFCON 2026 has not been announced, and the tournament itself is postponed. CAF has yet to confirm a replacement date or venue.

Where will the 2027 African Nations Cup be held?

CAF announced that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first time the tournament will be held across three East African countries.

Is It True That FIFA Deducted Points from Bafana Bafana?

Reports indicate that FIFA docked 3 points from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in a CAF competition. The exact nature of the infraction and the affected competition have not been fully clarified. The deduction could impact South Africa’s standings in CAF tournaments.

Which team is disqualified from CAF?

It is unclear which specific team was disqualified from CAF competitions related to this ruling. The points deduction against Bafana Bafana suggests a disciplinary action, but further details from FIFA or CAF are pending.

What led to the points deduction?

The reported cause is the use of an ineligible player. FIFA’s disciplinary committee is understood to have applied standard sanctions, but no official statement has been published confirming the exact reason.

The implication for South African football is that the standings in CAF competitions could shift depending on the final ruling.

What Are Today’s Africa Cup of Nations Games?

For the most current fixtures and results, fans should check official broadcasters and aggregators. The Africa Cup of Nations games are played according to the match schedule established by the CAF organising committee, as per CAF Regulations PDF (official competition rules).

What is the Africa Cup of Nations games schedule?

• The 2025 AFCON final was played on 18 January 2026 in Rabat (Wikipedia).
• Upcoming AFCON editions: 2027 (co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania), 2029 (host TBD).
• Schedule details for qualifiers and group stages are published by CAF on its official website.

Where to watch Africa Cup of Nations games on TV?

Broadcast rights vary by region. In many markets, ESPN, BBC Sport, and SuperSport hold rights. Live streaming is available through CAF’s official partners. For a full list of channels, consult local listings or CAF’s website.

The 2026–2027 AFCON cycle is marked by legal drama and administrative shake-ups. For broadcasters, the key is to secure rights for the 2027 East Africa tournament early. For fans, staying tuned to CAF’s announcements is the only way to avoid confusion.

“Senegal is declared to have forfeited the match under Article 84 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.”

“The ruling sparked backlash and a looming CAS fight.”

The intersection of judicial rulings, political tensions, and tournament scheduling makes clear that CAF’s decisions have consequences far beyond the pitch. For Senegal, the path forward involves a CAS appeal and a diplomatic push. For CAF, restoring trust will require transparent communication. For fans watching the Africa Cup of Nations games, the next few months will determine whether this becomes a footnote or a lasting fracture in African football governance.