In a move that has left the African football world scrambling, Côte d’Ivoire has officially pulled out of hosting the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), just weeks before kickoff. The decision, announced by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), has thrown the tournament into uncertainty, forcing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to scramble for a replacement host at the last minute.
The tournament, originally set to take place from April 26 to May 18, was supposed to be a grand showcase of Africa’s young football talent, following in the footsteps of the successful senior AFCON hosted by Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year. However, despite having just delivered a well-organized continental championship, the country has decided it is unable to do the same for the youth tournament.
While FIF has not provided a detailed explanation for the withdrawal, sources close to the matter suggest that financial constraints and logistical challenges played a key role in the decision. Hosting a major international tournament requires substantial resources, including stadiums, accommodations, security, and transport infrastructure. Given that Côte d’Ivoire recently invested heavily in hosting the senior AFCON, there may be concerns about stretching resources too thin in such a short timeframe.
This unexpected turn of events has put CAF in a difficult position. Finding a new host on such short notice is no small task, especially considering the need for ready stadiums, training facilities, and accommodation for teams and officials. With only a few weeks to spare, CAF must now approach other African nations capable of stepping in at the last minute.
Potential candidates include Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa—countries with strong football infrastructure and a history of successfully hosting international tournaments. However, agreeing to host at such short notice is a logistical challenge even for the most prepared nations. Any country that steps in will need to ensure stadiums are match-ready, security measures are in place, and all travel and accommodation arrangements are sorted for the 12 participating teams.
The withdrawal is particularly disappointing for Ivorian football fans, who were looking forward to another major tournament on home soil. The country had already been riding high on the success of its senior national team, which won the 2024 AFCON in dramatic fashion. The U-20 tournament was expected to continue that momentum, giving young Ivorian players a chance to shine in front of their home crowd. Now, with the tournament moving elsewhere, the country’s young stars will have to showcase their skills on foreign soil.
This sudden change also raises concerns for the participating teams, many of whom have been preparing based on the assumption that Côte d’Ivoire would be the host. Travel and accommodation plans will now have to be adjusted, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the tournament. Moreover, with a new host yet to be confirmed, there is a risk that the tournament could face delays or even potential cancellation—an outcome that would be disastrous for the young players hoping to use the competition as a platform to launch their professional careers.
Beyond the immediate impact on the tournament, Côte d’Ivoire’s decision highlights broader issues in African football administration. Hosting a major tournament requires long-term planning, financial stability, and strong organizational capabilities. While Côte d’Ivoire successfully hosted the senior AFCON, the challenges of organizing a second tournament so soon after may have been underestimated. The situation underscores the need for CAF to establish stricter guidelines and support mechanisms to ensure host nations are fully prepared before awarding them tournaments.
As the football community waits for CAF to announce a new host, there is also speculation about whether Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal will impact its chances of hosting future tournaments. While the country successfully delivered the 2024 AFCON, its inability to follow through with the U-20 competition may raise concerns about its reliability for future bids.
At the time, the focus shifts to CAF’s next move. Will another country step in to save the tournament, or will the competition face postponement? With the clock ticking, the pressure is on to find a solution that ensures Africa’s brightest young talents still get their moment in the spotlight.
