Moroccan football coach Mustapha Hadji and Ivorian footballer Serge Aurier stand on stage during the … [+]
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is set to engage football fans across the continent and beyond. Scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025, the tournament promises an exhilarating month of football, featuring 24 teams competing for continental glory. This will be the first time Morocco has hosted this prestigious tournament since 1988, and the country is ready to provide a world-class experience across six vibrant cities.
The opening match of AFCON 2025 will be an unforgettable event, as hosts Morocco take on Comoros at the newly built Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. With a seating capacity of 69,500, this state-of-the-art stadium will serve as the backdrop for a tournament filled with passion, skill, and excitement. The much-anticipated match on December 21 will mark the beginning of a fierce competition among the continent’s best teams, all vying for glory.
AFCON 2025 will feature 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The teams will compete in a round-robin format, where each team plays the others in its group. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages. This structure ensures that every match is crucial, leaving no room for complacency as teams strive to secure their place in the next phase of the tournament. With many football powerhouses competing for the title, the group stage promises intense competition and sets the stage for a thrilling knockout phase.
Here’s a look at the groups:
(From L to R) Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, Samson Adamu, Aliou Cisse, Joseph Yobo stand on stage … [+]
As the tournament progresses, the action will take place across Morocco, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality. Six cities will host both group-stage and knockout-stage matches, offering a diverse experience for players and fans alike.
Rabat: The capital city will feature several venues, including the opening game and the final match. The Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, with a capacity of 69,500, will serve as the flagship venue for both the opening and final matches. Additional key venues in Rabat include the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Elhassan and the Stade El Barid.
Casablanca: As Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca will enhance the tournament’s appeal by hosting high-stakes matches at the iconic Stade Mohammed V.
Agadir: This coastal city will add a unique atmosphere, with the Grand Stade d’Agadir set to host important quarter-final matches.
Marrakech: Renowned for its rich history, Marrakech will feature matches at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, providing a picturesque backdrop for the competition.
Fes: Known as the “Athens of Africa,” Fes will showcase its charm as the Complexe Sportif de Fes hosts several action-packed fixtures.
Tangier: This northern city, a cultural hub near the Mediterranean coast, will also participate in the tournament at the Grand Stade de Tanger, where both group and knockout-stage matches are expected to engage fans.
Skyline over Souk and old town, Marrakesh, Morocco. . (Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current … [+]
After weeks of intense competition, the tournament will culminate in the final at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah on January 18, 2026. The last two standing teams will compete for Africa’s most prestigious football title in what promises to be a thrilling finale in front of thousands of passionate supporters. With the best talent from across the continent on display, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to AFCON 2025.
The draw has set the stage for some exciting matchups that promise to keep fans engaged. These contests are not only vital to the tournament’s outcome but also reflect a rich history and intense rivalries.
As hosts, Morocco will open the tournament against Comoros. This encounter will set the tone for the tournament, and Morocco will be eager to take advantage of their home crowd to launch their campaign in style.
One of the most anticipated encounters in the group stage will be between Cameroon and defending champions Ivory Coast. This rivalry dates back to the 1970 AFCON, and their recent clashes have been tightly contested. Ivory Coast eliminated Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2006 AFCON and again in the 2015 edition, making this a matchup full of tension and drama.
ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST – JANUARY 14: Victor Osimhen of Nigeria celebrates with Ademola Lookman after … [+]
Nigeria and Tunisia have long been two of Africa’s top footballing nations. With Nigeria’s star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year—and Tunisia boasting a wealth of talent, this group-stage match promises to be one that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
South Africa, led by Ronwen Williams, will face Egypt, with Mohamed Salah leading the charge for the Pharaohs. Despite Egypt’s continued dominance, South Africa has shown they can hold their own against the top teams, making this an exciting matchup.
Tanzania and Uganda will face off in a historic match, as both countries are set to co-host AFCON in 2027. This match will serve as a preview of what fans can expect in the next edition, and both teams will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
This article comes on the heels of a week full of thrilling announcements from CAF, including the reveal of the draw and fixture release, which have fans already imagining the playing field that lies ahead. While the tournament is still 11 months away, the excitement has already begun to build. The draw has reignited old rivalries, and with the full fixture list now available, fans are eagerly counting the minutes until kickoff.
As the countdown to December 21, 2025, begins, football fans across Africa and the world are eagerly awaiting the start of what is expected to be one of the most exciting AFCON tournaments in recent history.
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