AFCON 2025: All you need to know about

 

Morocco 2025

2025 AFCON in Morocco: Everything You Need to Know About a Historic Edition

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be held in Morocco, promises to be a memorable edition, not only for football fans but also for the future of the sport on the continent. Scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, this 35th edition promises spectacular entertainment, record-breaking financial stakes, and structural changes that will redefine African football.

A Tournament with Major Economic and Geopolitical Stakes

Morocco's hosting of AFCON 2025 is much more than just a sporting event; it is part of a long-term strategic vision. The Kingdom has invested heavily in modernizing its infrastructure, with the renovation and construction of stadiums in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Fez, and Marrakech, as well as the upgrading of numerous training grounds to meet CAF and FIFA standards. This effort aims to make Morocco a technological and organizational showcase for African football.

This AFCON is also a powerful tool of soft power for Morocco, positioning it as a key player on the continent. The event is a full-scale test in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

On the financial front, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a historic increase in prize money. The winner of the 2025 AFCON will take home a record $10 million, an increase of more than 40% compared to the previous edition. This significant increase in financial rewards marks a turning point for the economics of continental football.

Schedule and teams: the complete guide to the 2025 AFCON

The competition will begin on December 21, 2025, with the opening ceremony at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, followed by the opening match between Morocco and Comoros. The group stage will run until December 31, followed by the round of 16 from January 3 to 6, the quarterfinals on January 9 and 10, the semifinals on January 14, and finally, the grand final on January 18, 2026.

Here are the group compositions:

Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Group F

Morocco Egypt Nigeria Senegal Algeria Ivory Coast

Mali South Africa Tunisia DR Congo Burkina Faso Cameroon

Zambia Angola Uganda Benin Equatorial Guinea Gabon

Comoros Zimbabwe Tanzania Botswana Sudan Mozambique

Stars to watch and favorites

Several teams are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title. Morocco, the host country, led by players like Brahim Diaz, is under pressure to win the title on home soil. Senegal, with key players like Sadio Mané, and Nigeria, runners-up in the last edition, are also highly anticipated. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, hopes to secure an eighth continental title, while Ivory Coast, the defending champions, will attempt to retain their crown. However, the absence of Ivorian Sébastien Haller is notable, as he has withdrawn from the competition.

Beyond the pitch: innovations and a unique experience

This 2025 Africa Cup of Nations aims to be decidedly modern. Technological innovations will be featured, including digital ticketing systems via a dedicated app and state-of-the-art security measures. An African Police Cooperation Center has even been inaugurated in Salé for the occasion.

The tournament's official mascot, Assad, a friendly lion, was designed to embody the unity and passion of African football. In host cities like Casablanca, numerous fan zones will be set up to offer a festive experience for supporters.

The Future of the AFCON: A New Rhythm for African Football

On the sidelines of this edition, CAF made a historic decision: starting in 2028, the Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years, instead of every two. This change aims to better align the African football calendar with the international calendar. Furthermore, a new competition, an African Nations League, will be launched in 2029, offering new competitive opportunities and additional revenue for federations.

In conclusion, the 2025 AFCON in Morocco promises to be a pivotal edition, full of sporting promise, economic stakes, and decisions that will shape the future of football in Africa. Football fans can look forward to a month of intense competition that will crown the new king of the continent.