CAF · National Championship
Africa Cup of Nations
In US-sports termsAfrica's continental championship — famous in Europe for 'kidnapping' Premier League stars mid-season, because AFCON plays in January while club seasons rage on.
What it is
AFCON — the championship of Africa's 54 nations, played every two years. Egypt lead the all-time count; Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria headline the modern era.
How you get in
Qualify through CAF's group qualifying.
What it feeds
The continental crown; World Cup places (9+ for 2026) run through separate qualifying.
Its January timing is the sport's loudest club-vs-country collision: European clubs lose their African stars for a month mid-season. Liverpool without Salah every other winter — that's AFCON.