Overview of AFCON 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON 2025, is eagerly anticipated as it marks the 35th edition of this prestigious biennial tournament. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of African football talent.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) is set to be one of the most exciting football tournaments on the continent. Scheduled to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, the competition will bring together 24 national teams across 9 stadiums in 6 Moroccan cities. Hosted by Morocco, this edition highlights Africa’s growing influence in global football.
AFCON 2025 Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Nation | Morocco |
| Dates | 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026 |
| Teams | 24 |
| Venues | 9 stadiums across 6 cities |
| Draw Date | 27 January 2025, Rabat |
| Ranking Basis | FIFA World Rankings – December 2024 |
Tournament Format
AFCON 2025 will begin with Morocco vs Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four, playing in a round-robin format.
- Group stage: Each team plays three matches.
- Qualification: The top two teams from each group progress, alongside the four best third-placed teams, making up the Round of 16.
- Knockout stage: From the round of 16 onwards, matches follow a single-elimination format leading to the grand final on 18 January 2026.
This structure ensures competitive balance and provides smaller nations a chance to advance deeper into the tournament.
Group Stage Fixtures Highlights
The AFCON 2025 fixtures are spread across Morocco’s major cities, showcasing both footballing excellence and cultural heritage. Here are some notable early clashes:
- 21 December 2025: Morocco vs Comoros (Rabat, 8pm)
- 22 December 2025: Egypt vs Zimbabwe (Agadir, 6pm), South Africa vs Angola (Marrakech, 8:30pm)
- 23 December 2025: Nigeria vs Tanzania (Fes, 1pm), Senegal vs Botswana (Tangier, 6pm)
- 24 December 2025: Algeria vs Sudan (Rabat, 1pm), Cameroon vs Gabon (Agadir, 8:30pm)
The fixtures highlight a balanced schedule, ensuring that fans across Morocco witness top-level football.
Venues and Host Cities
AFCON 2025 will utilize nine stadiums spread across Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier. These world-class venues include:
- Ibn Batouta Stadium (Tangier) – 75,000 capacity
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat) – 68,700 capacity
- Mohammed V Stadium (Casablanca) – 45,000 capacity
These facilities guarantee an outstanding experience for players and spectators alike.
Importance of FIFA Rankings
The December 2024 FIFA World Rankings were used as the benchmark for seeding teams into groups. This ensures fairness and reflects the form of African teams heading into the tournament. The rankings played a crucial role during the official draw in Rabat on 27 January 2025.
Venue and Dates
Morocco will be the host nation for this year’s tournament, which will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This will be Morocco’s second time hosting AFCON; the last occasion was in 1988. Nine venues across six cities are set to welcome 24 participating teams, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for both players and fans alike.
A Glance at the History
Morocco was initially slated to host the 2015 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations but had to withdraw due to concerns over the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. After several years, Morocco’s readiness to host AFCON again is a significant moment, reflecting not only a recovery from past challenges but also the country’s strong commitment to advancing African football.
As we look ahead to AFCON 2025, excitement is building across the continent. Football fans are gearing up to support their national teams, and Morocco is preparing to deliver a memorable tournament that highlights the passion, skill, and unity of African football.