Morocco Gears Up to Host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
The countdown to the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun, with Morocco preparing to host the continent’s premier football tournament for the second time in its history.
With the qualification rounds concluded and the 24 participating teams confirmed, fans can now look forward to the 35th edition of this iconic competition. Morocco previously hosted AFCON in 1988, a tournament that featured only eight teams and saw Cameroon claim victory after a hard-fought final against Nigeria.
In 2025, the tournament has expanded significantly to include 24 teams, reflecting the substantial growth and development of African football over the past three decades. Morocco was officially confirmed as the host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that was met with widespread enthusiasm.
The Atlas Lions, having automatically qualified as hosts, are eager to demonstrate their readiness to stage an event of this magnitude. Their ambition has been fueled by their historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
Venues Under Consideration
Although the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has not yet officially announced the tournament venues, several renowned stadiums are expected to play a central role, including:
- Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca – Likely to be a major venue, having hosted the 1988 AFCON final.
- Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat – Currently undergoing expansion to increase capacity.
- Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier – Expected to host key matches with an expanded seating capacity.
- Adrar Stadium, Agadir – Known for its scenic location and modern facilities, which are being upgraded ahead of the tournament.
- Marrakech Stadium, Marrakech – A fan-favorite venue likely to witness significant action.
- Fez Stadium, Fez – Offering a more traditional setting for the tournament.
Qualification and Participating Teams
While Morocco was the only team guaranteed a spot as the host nation, the remaining 23 places were determined through a rigorous qualification process. The qualifiers, which took place between September and November 2024, involved 48 nations divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group secured their place in the tournament.
The qualification campaign was highly competitive, with powerhouse teams such as Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria securing their spots. However, some notable teams, including Ghana and Guinea, failed to qualify.
A Proven Host for Major Events
Morocco’s selection as the host nation came as no surprise, given its recent track record of successfully organizing major international football events. From hosting the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, the country has consistently demonstrated its capability to stage world-class tournaments.
With its passionate football culture and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Morocco is well-positioned to deliver one of the most memorable editions of AFCON.
Qualified Teams for AFCON 2025
The 24 countries that have secured their spots for the tournament are:
Morocco (Hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Sudan, Benin, Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Key Dates to Remember
- Final Draw: The official draw for the tournament is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on January 27, 2025.
- Opening Match: The tournament is set to kick off on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
- Final Match: The grand finale will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
With preparations in full swing, Morocco is set to provide an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike, celebrating the passion and talent that define African football.
| GDP (nominal) | Capital | Head of State | Head of Government | GDP (nominal) per capita | GDP (PPP) | GDP (PPP) | GDP (PPP) per capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Rabat | Mohammed VI | Aziz Akhannouch | 147.343 | 3.980 | 385.337 | 10.408 |
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