Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram Doha – The countdown to the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun. Qualifying matches are underway, and the excitement is palpable for players and fans alike.
The tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco, is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025, and will culminate with the final on January 18, 2026.
This marks the second time the North African nation has been selected to host the continent’s premier football tournament, with the last occasion being in 1988.
According to the CAF official website, while the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has yet to officially announce the venues, several iconic stadiums are expected to play a central role in the tournament.
These include the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, which hosted the 1988 AFCON final, the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, the Marrakech Stadium and the Fez Stadium.
Many of these stadiums are currently undergoing expansion to increase their capacity and accommodate more fans.
As stated on the CAF website, Morocco’s selection as the host for AFCON 2025 is no surprise given the nation’s impressive history of successfully organizing major international football tournaments.
From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, Morocco has consistently showcased its ability to deliver world-class events.
This track record, combined with the country’s passionate football culture, sets the stage for what could be one of the most memorable editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
While Morocco automatically qualifies as the host nation, the remaining 23 spots will be decided through a rigorous qualifying process.
The qualifiers will see 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group securing their place in the tournament.
The qualification process promises intense competition, with teams like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a spot.
On June 21, CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his optimism, stating, “I am confident that the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition.”
He also announced that the WAFCON will be hosted in Morocco in 2024, with the opening match on July 5, 2025, and the final on July 26, 2025.
As the road to Morocco 2025 begins, anticipation is high for what promises to be a memorable celebration of African football. With world-class facilities, a passionate fan base, and recent experience in hosting major tournaments, Morocco is poised to set new benchmarks for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Read also: CAF: Morocco is Consistent in Successfully Delivering World-Class Football Tournaments
