The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is fast approaching, with Morocco set to host the 35th edition of the biennial tournament from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This marks the second time Morocco will host the competition, having previously done so in 1988. Originally slated for the summer to avoid conflicts with European club schedules, the tournament was moved to accommodate FIFA's expanded Club World Cup. For the first time, the competition will take place over the Christmas and New Year period.
Twenty-four teams will participate, showcasing the continent's top footballing talent across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, Fès, and Marrakech. Nine stadiums will be used, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which will host the opening match, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the final. Other prominent venues include the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, and the Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
The draw has already taken place, dividing the teams into six groups of four. The groups are as follows:
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
- Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
- Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
- Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
- Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
The tournament will kick off on December 21, 2025, with hosts Morocco facing Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Other notable group stage fixtures include:
- December 22: Egypt vs Zimbabwe in Agadir
- December 22: South Africa vs Angola in Marrakech
- December 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania in Fès
- December 26: Morocco vs Mali in Rabat
- December 28: Algeria vs Burkina Faso in Rabat
- December 29: Egypt vs Angola in Agadir
- December 29: Morocco vs Zambia in Rabat
During the group stage, matches will be played in four time slots. Morocco operates on Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The group stage matches will be played at 13:00, 15:30, 18:30 and 20:00 local time.
The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16. The knockout stages will begin around January 3, 2026, with the final slated for January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The knockout matches are scheduled for 18:00 and 20:30, with the third-place play-off and the final kicking off at 20:00.
The 2025 AFCON is expected to feature several prominent players from top leagues worldwide. Reigning champions Ivory Coast, as well as host nation Morocco, are considered favorites. Other strong contenders include Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt.
