The countdown to the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is officially underway, with Morocco gearing up to host the continent’s premier football event for the second time in its history.
The North African nation, which previously hosted the tournament in 1988, is now preparing to welcome 24 teams for the 35th edition of AFCON, a remarkable expansion from the eight teams that competed over three decades ago.
This growth reflects the tremendous evolution of African football, a sport that has grown in popularity, talent, and competition across the continent.
Morocco’s confirmation as the host on September 27, 2023, was met with widespread excitement, especially given the country’s rich football history and its recent global performances. The Atlas Lions, who will automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to prove their footballing pedigree once more.
Their 2022 FIFA World Cup journey, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, has only heightened expectations. The team and the nation are now looking forward to showing their readiness on home soil with an event that promises to elevate the prestige of African football.
Several iconic Moroccan stadiums are expected to host the matches. While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to officially announce the final venues, the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca is expected to play a key role in the tournament.
This historic ground, which hosted the 1988 AFCON final, is likely to see plenty of action. The Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat is another venue anticipated to be a centerpiece, as it undergoes expansion to accommodate more fans.
Other likely venues include the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, which will host some of the tournament’s biggest matches, the scenic Adrar Stadium in Agadir, the fan-favorite Marrakesh Stadium, and the traditional Fez Stadium, adding a diverse cultural element to the tournament’s atmosphere.
The qualifiers, starting in September 2024, will determine the 23 remaining spots for AFCON 2025, as Morocco, being the host, is the only nation guaranteed participation. Forty-eight nations, divided into 12 groups, will fight for a place in Morocco.
Teams like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria are expected to lead the charge for qualification, ensuring a fiercely competitive path to the final tournament.
The road to Morocco promises to be an intense battle of talent, tactics, and perseverance, as Africa’s footballing powerhouses vie for a coveted spot.
The tournament is set to kick off on December 21, 2025, with the final scheduled for January 18, 2026. These key dates mark a thrilling month of football, as fans eagerly await to see who will be crowned Africa’s best.
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament also symbolizes a celebration of African football and its continued rise on the global stage.
Morocco’s selection as the AFCON 2025 host is a testament to the nation’s growing footballing reputation. In recent years, Morocco has consistently showcased its ability to organize and deliver high-profile football events.
From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, Morocco has proven its prowess in hosting world-class football tournaments. This extensive experience, combined with a football-loving population and state-of-the-art infrastructure, makes Morocco a fitting stage for Africa’s most prestigious football competition.
As the journey to AFCON 2025 begins, the excitement is palpable. Fans, teams, and football enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a historic tournament.
Morocco is poised to deliver an unforgettable AFCON, one that not only showcases the best of African football but also reflects the country’s deep commitment to the sport. With world-class facilities and a passion for the game, Morocco 2025 is set to raise the bar for future editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
