The Ultimate AFCON 2025 Guide: Everything Fans Need to Know About the Tournament

The Africa Cup of Nations returns in December 2025, and this year's tournament promises to be one of the most spectacular editions in AFCON history. With Morocco hosting for only the second time since 1988, football fans across the continent and around the world are preparing for a month-long celebration of African football. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the tournament, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about AFCON 2025.

AFCON 2025 Dates: When Does the Tournament Take Place?

The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This marks a historic first for the tournament, as it's the first time AFCON will be played over the Christmas and New Year period.

The tournament schedule breaks down as follows:

• Opening Match: December 21, 2025 (Morocco vs. Comoros)
• Group Stage: December 21-31, 2025
• Round of 16: January 3-6, 2026
• Quarter-finals: January 9-10, 2026
• Semi-finals: January 14, 2026
• Third-place Playoff: January 17, 2026
• Final: January 18, 2026

Why the Schedule Change?

Originally planned for the summer to minimize conflicts with European club schedules, AFCON 2025 was shifted due to FIFA's expanded Club World Cup scheduled for June-July 2025. The move to winter ensures the tournament proceeds without major scheduling conflicts, though it does coincide with the busy festive football period in Europe.

Morocco Host Cities: Where Will AFCON 2025 Be Played?

Morocco will showcase its world-class infrastructure across six magnificent host cities, each offering unique cultural experiences alongside top-tier football facilities. Here's your guide to the AFCON 2025 host cities:

1. Rabat – The Capital and Tournament Hub
 

As Morocco's administrative capital, Rabat takes center stage with an impressive four stadiums hosting matches. The city will hold the opening match and the grand final, making it the beating heart of AFCON 2025.

Key Venues in Rabat:

• Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (69,500 capacity) – The tournament's flagship venue hosting the opening match, Morocco's group games, and the final
• Prince HERTITIER Moulay El Hassan Stadium (22,000 capacity) – Modern facility in the city center
• Rabat Olympic Stadium (21,000 capacity) – Part of the Moulay Abdellah complex, built specifically for AFCON
• El Barid Stadium (18,000 capacity) – The tournament's most intimate venue

2. Casablanca – Morocco's Commercial Powerhouse

Morocco's largest city and economic hub brings football passion through its legendary stadium.

Key Venue:

• Mohammed V Stadium (67,000 capacity) – One of Africa's most historic stadiums, originally opened in 1955, hosting six group matches, a Round of 16 tie, and the third-place playoff

3. Tangier – Gateway to Africa

Located at Morocco's northern tip near the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier hosts the tournament's largest venue.

Key Venue:

• Ibn Batouta (GRAND STADE DE TANGER) Stadium (75,000 capacity) – The biggest stadium at AFCON 2025, named after the famous Moroccan explorer, hosting group matches and knockout rounds

4. Marrakech – The Cultural Jewel

One of Morocco's most iconic tourist destinations combines cultural heritage with modern sporting facilities.

Key Venue:

• Grand Stade de Marrakech (45,240 capacity) – Hosting six group matches, a Round of 16 match, and one quarter-final

5. Agadir – Atlantic Coast Paradise

This picturesque coastal city offers stunning Atlantic Ocean views alongside its modern stadium.

Key Venue:

• Grand Stade d'Agadir (Adrar Stadium) (45,480 capacity) – Set near the Atlas Mountains, providing one of the tournament's most scenic backdrops

6. Fez – The Cultural Capital

Morocco's spiritual and cultural heart blends ancient history with upgraded sports infrastructure.

Key Venue:

• Complexe Sportif de Fès (45,000 capacity) – Combining traditional Moroccan architecture with modern amenities

AFCON 2025 Schedule: Full Tournament Format

The 35th edition of AFCON features 24 teams competing across 52 matches. Here's how the tournament structure works:

Group Stage Format

The 24 qualified teams are divided into six groups (A-F) with four teams each:

• Group A: Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros
• Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola
• 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 (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Each team plays three group matches in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group automatically advance to the knockout rounds, along with the four best third-place teams, creating a 16-team knockout bracket.

Knockout Stage

Once the Round of 16 begins on January 3, the tournament follows a straight elimination format with extra time and penalty shootouts if necessary.

Match Times:

• Group stage matches: 13:00, 15:30, 18:30, and 20:00 (local Moroccan time/CET)
• Knockout stage matches: 18:00 and 20:30
• Final and third-place playoff: 20:00

AFCON History: A Rich Tournament Legacy

Understanding AFCON's prestigious history adds depth to appreciating the 2025 tournament.

The Tournament's Origins

The Africa Cup of Nations was first held in February 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan, with just three participating nations: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. South Africa was disqualified due to apartheid. Egypt won that inaugural tournament, defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the final, with Mohamed Diab Al-Attar scoring all four goals.

Tournament Evolution

From its modest three-team beginning, AFCON has grown into Africa's premier football competition:

• 1957: 3 teams
• 1968: Expanded to 8 teams
• 1992: Increased to 12 teams
• 1996: Grew to 16 teams
• 2019-present: 24 teams

Since 1968, the tournament has been held every two years. In 2013, AFCON shifted to odd-numbered years to avoid conflicts with the FIFA World Cup.

The Most Successful Teams

Egypt dominates AFCON history with seven titles (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010), including an unprecedented three consecutive championships from 2006-2010. They've appeared in a record 10 finals across 25 tournament appearances.

Cameroon, the "Indomitable Lions," ranks second with five titles (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017). Legendary players like Samuel Eto'o, who scored 18 career AFCON goals, cemented Cameroon's legacy.

Ghana, the "Black Stars," has claimed four championships (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982) and holds the record for most final appearances (nine) despite winning less frequently.

Nigeria has won three times (1980, 1994, 2013), while Ivory Coast secured their third title in 2024 as defending champions, dramatically defeating Nigeria 2-1.

Other champions include Algeria (2), DR Congo (2), and single titles for Zambia, Tunisia, Sudan, Senegal, South Africa, Ethiopia, Morocco (1976), and Congo.

Historic Moments

• 1978: Ghana became the first three-time champion, earning permanent possession of the original trophy
• 2000: Cameroon claimed permanent ownership of the African Unity Cup after their third championship
• 2010: Egypt won three consecutive titles, establishing a still-unbeaten record
• 2019: Algeria ended a 29-year title drought
• 2022: Senegal claimed their first-ever AFCON championship, defeating Egypt on penalties

What Makes AFCON 2025 Special?

Morocco's Preparations

This tournament serves as a crucial test run for Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The country has invested heavily in stadium construction and renovation, transportation infrastructure, and hospitality facilities.

Several stadiums, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, were completely rebuilt from scratch in just two years. The El Barid and Rabat Olympic stadiums were constructed specifically for AFCON 2025.

Star Power

AFCON 2025 features some of world football's biggest names, including:

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
• Sadio Mané (Senegal)
• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
• Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
• Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
• Amad Diallo (Ivory coast)

Home Advantage for Morocco

The Atlas Lions are heavy favorites to win on home soil. Morocco's stunning run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals demonstrated their quality, and they dominated qualifying by winning all six matches despite already being automatic qualifiers as hosts. Their only AFCON title came in 1976, making 2025 a golden opportunity to claim glory before their home fans.

Defending Champions Ivory Coast

The Elephants will attempt to defend their 2024 title after their dramatic tournament victory. Their championship run, which included coming from behind to defeat Nigeria in the final, captured hearts across Africa.

How to Follow AFCON 2025

Tickets and Fan ID

Tickets are available through the official CAF ticket portal. Fans must register and obtain a Fan ID to purchase tickets, with sales continuing on a first-come, first-served basis leading up to the tournament.

Match Ball

The official match ball, named "ITRI", features traditional Moroccan zellij geometric patterns, celebrating the host nation's cultural heritage.

Travel Between Cities

Morocco's excellent infrastructure, including high-speed rail connections between major cities, makes traveling between venues convenient for fans wanting to experience multiple host cities.

Key Storylines to Watch

Can Morocco Deliver on Home Soil?

With exceptional talent led by Achraf Hakimi and strong squad depth, Morocco enters as favorites. The pressure of home expectations versus the advantage of passionate support will define their tournament.

Egypt's Quest for an Eighth Title

Led by Mohamed Salah, Egypt seeks to extend their record trophy haul and end their 15-year title drought since their 2010 triumph.

Will the Defending Champions Repeat?

Ivory Coast's emotional 2024 victory set a high bar. Can they become the first team since Egypt (2006-2010) to win back-to-back titles?

Nigeria's Redemption Arc

After heartbreak in the 2024 final, Nigeria's talented squad will be hungry for redemption. With stars across European leagues, the Super Eagles have the quality to go all the way.

Dark Horses and Emerging Powers

Senegal (2022 champions), Algeria, Cameroon, and Ghana all possess tournament-winning potential, while teams like Tanzania and Botswana will look to make history with breakthrough performances.

AFCON 2025 and the Broader Football Calendar

The December-January timing impacts European clubs significantly. Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 teams could lose key players for up to six matches if they reach the final, affecting crucial mid-season fixtures.

This makes the tournament even more compelling, as players must balance club commitments with national pride during one of football's most intense periods.

Conclusion: A Tournament Not to Be Missed

AFCON 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African football. With world-class venues across Morocco's most beautiful cities, a competitive 24-team field featuring global superstars, and rich historical significance, this tournament offers everything football fans could want.

From the opening match in Rabat on December 21 to the final on January 18, AFCON 2025 will showcase the skill, passion, and drama that have made this tournament one of football's greatest spectacles. Whether you're supporting the favorites, cheering for underdogs, or simply appreciating elite football, the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is destination viewing.

Mark your calendars, plan your viewing schedule, and prepare to witness history as Africa's finest battle for continental supremacy in one of the most anticipated AFCONs ever.

Quick Reference:

• Dates: December 21, 2025 - January 18, 2026
• Host Nation: Morocco
• Host Cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez
• Teams: 24 qualified nations
• Defending Champions: Ivory Coast
• Format: 6 groups of 4, top 2 + 4 best third-place teams advance to knockout rounds
• Final Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

Stay tuned for more AFCON 2025 coverage as the tournament approaches!