The African Cup of Nations 2025 is set to usher in a new chapter for African football, with a landmark winter schedule running from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. For the first time, the continent’s premier tournament will coincide with the festive season, blending holiday celebrations with high-stakes football drama across Africa and beyond.
Morocco will take center stage as host of the 35th edition, stepping in after Guinea and returning to organize the competition for the first time since 1988. With nine upgraded stadiums spread across six dynamic cities, the country is poised to become the vibrant heart of African football.
On the pitch, defending champions Ivory Coast will be challenged by traditional powerhouses and ambitious outsiders alike. Ghana’s unexpected absence and Botswana’s long-awaited return add extra intrigue, setting the stage for one of the most open and unpredictable tournaments in recent memory.
In the next section, you’ll find everything you need to know about the African Cup of Nations 2025 — from key dates and fixtures to Morocco’s host cities and the venues ready to write football history.
The African Cup of Nations 2025 will once again bring the entire continent together through a month of football, passion, and national pride. From 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, Morocco will serve as host for the 35th edition of Africa’s most celebrated tournament, welcoming 24 teams for a showcase of elite competition backed by CAF and longstanding sponsor TotalEnergies.
Morocco is preparing to host the African Cup of Nations for only the second time, having last welcomed the tournament in 1988. This upcoming edition introduces a winter schedule—21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026—designed to better align with European football calendars and ensure wider participation from top players.
Matches will be spread across six cities and nine state-of-the-art stadiums:
Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah, Moulay Hassan, Al Barid
Casablanca: Mohammed V Stadium
Tangier: Ibn Batouta Stadium
Agadir: Adrar Stadium
Fez: Fez Stadium
Marrakesh: Marrakesh Stadium
Rabat will take center stage with both the opening ceremony and the first match, while the grand final is set for 18 January 2026 at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Tip: Planning to attend? Flights and hotels will fill up fast—start tracking prices and availability well ahead of time.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will coordinate every aspect of AFCON 2025, working with Morocco to ensure that the tournament runs seamlessly across its modern venues. After Guinea withdrew from hosting duties, Morocco was chosen for its proven track record, strong infrastructure, and successful organization of global events such as the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup.
The competition will keep the 24-team format introduced in 2019: six groups of four nations, with the top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16. This structure has consistently delivered balanced competition and dramatic group-stage outcomes.
CAF’s partnership with TotalEnergies goes beyond branding. The collaboration contributes essential resources for logistics, stadium improvements, and long-term football development, reinforcing a shared goal of elevating African football both on and off the field.
The African Cup of Nations 2025 will bring together 24 national teams, all competing for continental supremacy on Moroccan soil. The tournament will span an entire month, following a well-established format that begins with the group stage and culminates in a dramatic knockout run to crown Africa’s next champion.
The group stage will feature six groups of four teams, each side playing three matches in a round-robin setup. This structure ensures competitive balance and equal opportunity across all groups.
Qualification standards remain consistent with recent editions:
The top two teams in each group advance directly to the knockout stage.
They are joined by the four best third-placed teams, completing the Round of 16.
Points are awarded traditionally: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
If teams finish level, standard tiebreakers apply—goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head results. Morocco, although automatically qualified as host nation, will still take part in qualifiers to maintain match rhythm and competitive readiness.
Games will be played across Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier, Agadir, and Fez, ensuring that each city plays an active role in hosting Africa’s premier football celebration.
Pro tip: Supporters traveling to follow their teams should secure accommodation early, as demand in host cities surges during the early stages of the tournament.
The knockout rounds kick off on 3 January 2026, with 16 teams entering a single-elimination format where every match carries enormous stakes. Victors move on to the quarter-finals, then to the semi-finals, before the two best sides meet in the grand final in Rabat on 18 January 2026.
If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it proceeds to extra time and—if needed—a penalty shootout. This system guarantees intensity, unpredictability, and the kind of iconic moments that AFCON is known for.
Fun fact: The 24-team format, introduced in 2019, has consistently increased competitive balance and produced some of the most surprising outcomes in recent AFCON history.
AFCON 2025 will showcase a powerful blend of seasoned champions and ambitious newcomers. Defending title-holders Côte d’Ivoire will attempt to secure back-to-back trophies, while giants such as Egypt, Nigeria, and host nation Morocco aim to reclaim continental dominance.
Key storylines shaping this edition include:
Ghana missing the tournament for the first time since 2004.
Botswana returning to the competition after more than a decade.
Tunisia extending its streak of 17 consecutive qualifications since 1994.
Additional heavyweights—Algeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and DR Congo—bring experience and star talent, while rising nations like Tanzania, Mozambique, and Benin hope to create upsets and carve their place in AFCON history.
Morocco will showcase nine modern stadiums across six major cities for the African Cup of Nations 2025. From the historic streets of Rabat to the Atlantic coastlines of Tangier and Agadir, the country’s football infrastructure blends ambition with heritage. Every venue has been upgraded or prepared to deliver an experience worthy of Africa’s flagship tournament.
As the capital, Rabat will act as the central stage of AFCON 2025. The standout venue is the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a 69,500-seat arena that will host both the opening match and the final, making it the symbolic heart of the competition.
Rabat’s supporting stadiums include Stade Al Barid (18,000 seats), Stade Olympique Annexe (21,000 seats), and Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan (22,000 seats). Together, they give the city the capacity to host multiple fixtures at once, ensuring smooth scheduling and lively atmospheres throughout the tournament.
Fun fact: Rabat’s stadium network has been upgraded to meet CAF’s highest requirements, with a strong focus on accessibility and comfort for visiting fans.
Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis, will welcome AFCON fans to the legendary Mohammed V Stadium. With room for around 45,000 spectators, this iconic ground remains one of the most emblematic venues in Moroccan football.
Morocco’s broader preparations for the African Cup of Nations 2025 highlight its experience in staging major events, and Casablanca’s role reinforces that reputation. Thanks to its energy, culture, and central location, the city is expected to host some of the tournament’s most high-profile and emotional clashes.
Tip: Matchdays in Casablanca often turn into full-day events, with supporters gathering around the Mohammed V area long before kick-off to create an unforgettable pre-game atmosphere.
Beyond Rabat and Casablanca, several other cities will play a key role in AFCON 2025. Tangier’s Grand Stade de Tanger, with an impressive 75,600-seat capacity, is likely to host marquee fixtures and possibly a semi-final. Its coastal setting offers a spectacular backdrop, especially for evening games.
Marrakesh and Agadir will each provide stadiums of around 41,000 seats, combining contemporary design with Morocco’s renowned sense of hospitality. Meanwhile, Fez contributes the Complexe Sportif de Fès, a 35,000-seat venue located in one of the country’s most historic and culturally rich cities.
Together, these stadiums reflect Morocco’s nationwide investment in football infrastructure. They underline that the African Cup of Nations 2025 is not only a sporting competition, but also an opportunity to present a country fully prepared to host an event of truly global scale.
The African Cup of Nations 2025 is set to deliver some of the tournament’s most memorable fixtures yet. From the opening showdown in Rabat to the highly anticipated final in mid-January, every stage promises narratives of rivalry, resilience, and continental pride.
AFCON 2025 will begin on 21 December, with host nation Morocco taking on Comoros in Rabat. The Atlas Lions enter the tournament under immense expectations, especially after their historic World Cup semifinal run.
Comoros, meanwhile, arrives as the smallest nation in the competition by population but carries the spirit of their remarkable 2022 performance, where they reached the Round of 16. This David-versus-Goliath opener will test Morocco’s attacking strength as much as Comoros’ defensive discipline.
Key factors to watch:
Morocco’s home advantage and offensive talent
Comoros’ compact defensive style
Pressure and atmosphere of opening night
The group stage promises competitive matchups from the very start. Among the standout fixtures, Nigeria vs. Tunisia on 27 December is shaping up as a tactical battle between two of Africa’s most consistent performers.
Another major clash sees Egypt face South Africa on 26 December, pairing established tradition with a rising generation of talent. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will also begin their title defense against Mozambique on 24 December, a match that could set the early tone for their campaign.
With the expanded 24-team format, emerging nations have more room to challenge established giants—adding unpredictability to every group.
The knockout stage kicks off on 3 January 2026, marking the beginning of high-stakes, winner-takes-all football. From the Round of 16 through the quarter-finals on 9 and 10 January, traditional powerhouses will look to avoid early exits as every match becomes decisive.
Potential storylines include:
Morocco’s quest for home glory
Côte d’Ivoire’s attempt to defend their crown
Nigeria’s pursuit of a long-awaited fourth title
The semi-finals on 14 January will decide the finalists, who will meet in Rabat for the grand finale on 18 January 2026, closing what could be one of the most dramatic tournaments in recent AFCON history.
Fan tip: Pay attention to regional rivalries—North vs. West African matchups regularly produce some of the most emotional and unpredictable moments in AFCON history.
If you’re planning to attend the African Cup of Nations 2025, Morocco will welcome you with far more than just top-level football. The host cities offer a blend of culture, cuisine, and comfort that can turn your trip into a complete travel experience. With a bit of preparation, you can easily coordinate match days, transport, and accommodation so you don’t miss a moment of the action.
With thousands of supporters expected in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh, both hotels and transport options will fill up quickly. It’s wise to secure your plans a few months before kick-off to get the best locations and rates.
A few practical tips:
Book accommodation close to stadiums or major transport hubs.
Look for hotels that offer airport transfers or shuttle services to the venues.
Reserve intercity train tickets in advance — Morocco’s ONCF rail network efficiently connects most of the host cities.
Among the many accommodation options available during the African Cup of Nations 2025, STORY Le Carrousel stands out for its boutique charm and thoughtful design. Blending contemporary elegance with warm Moroccan character, the hotel offers a uniquely stylish stay just moments from Rabat’s key attractions and stadiums.
For visitors seeking comfort, atmosphere, and a sense of place that feels both refined and authentically Moroccan, STORY Le Carrousel is one of the city’s most appealing and memorable choices during AFCON 2025.
Football may be the main attraction, but Morocco’s appeal extends well beyond the pitch. Between matches, take time to explore the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, stroll along Casablanca’s Corniche, or immerse yourself in the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh.
Fans staying a bit longer can also plan day trips to Fez or Agadir to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, architecture, and flavors. Wherever your AFCON itinerary takes you, the mix of sport, culture, and hospitality will make the African Cup of Nations 2025 an unforgettable journey.
As Morocco prepares to host Africa’s biggest football celebration, anticipation is building across the continent. From refreshed venues and defending champions to passionate crowds filling the stands, every element of the African Cup of Nations 2025 reflects the growth, ambition, and pride of African football. This edition will be more than a tournament — it will be a shared moment of connection, culture, and emotion that signals a new era for the game.
Whether you’re following your national team, exploring Morocco’s host cities, or simply soaking in the magic that football creates, AFCON 2025 promises experiences that will stay with you long after the final whistle. The African Cup of Nations 2025 will not only decide a new champion, but also showcase a continent ready to shine on an even bigger stage.
The African Cup of Nations 2025 will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, spanning six major host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Fez. It will be the first AFCON edition ever played during the winter festive season.
A total of 24 national teams will participate in the African Cup of Nations 2025. The format includes a group stage with six groups of four teams, followed by knockout rounds beginning with the Round of 16.
Both the opening match and the final of the African Cup of Nations 2025 will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco’s modern and upgraded flagship venue.
Yes. Although Morocco is automatically qualified as host of the African Cup of Nations 2025, the national team will still take part in the qualifying rounds to maintain competitive momentum.
Tickets for the African Cup of Nations 2025 will be available through official CAF platforms and tournament-approved ticketing websites. Fans are encouraged to purchase early, as high-demand fixtures—especially those in Rabat and Casablanca—are expected to sell out quickly.
Match cities will be extremely busy during the tournament. Visitors should book accommodation, transportation, and intercity travel well in advance. Since the African Cup of Nations 2025 spans multiple cities, choosing hotels near stadiums or major transport hubs can significantly improve the overall experience.
English English 
German
French
Arabic
