2019 Africa Cup of Nations Delayed to Accommodate Ramadan, Now Starts June 21

Initially scheduled from June 13 to July 15, the AFCON has been postponed by a week, i.e. June 21, said the competition director to AFP, and will therefore take place from June 21 to July 19. "The Confederation of African Football has officially informed us of the postponement," said one of the Egyptian officials.

According to him, the decision was made after "the request of the Maghreb countries, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria," who want rest time for their days just after the Ramadan period.

In total, 24 teams are to compete in this AFCON which is scheduled for the first time in the middle of summer in a country where temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius or even much more at this time of year.