The countdown is on for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON), which Morocco will host from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
Thirty-seven years after staging the 1988 edition, the Kingdom is once again preparing to welcome Africa’s most prestigious football competition -this time with unprecedented sporting and organizational ambitions.
Over the past several years, Morocco has successfully multiplied its hosting duties for major continental and international events. The Confederation of African Football’s decision to award the AfCON 2025 to the Kingdom is a recognition not only of the excellence of its sports, hospitality, and transport infrastructure, but also of the ongoing evolution of Moroccan football and its rise as a key player on the African sporting scene.
AFCON 2025 will unfold across several Moroccan cities, showcasing the country’s dynamic socio-economic development and the impressive growth of its regional infrastructure. Stadiums in Casablanca, Rabat (four venues), Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, and Fez will form the backbone of Morocco’s organizational effort.
Each site has undergone renovation, reconstruction, or major upgrades to meet the strict international standards set by CAF and FIFA.
Training grounds, transport networks, and accommodation facilities have also been integrated into a comprehensive national strategy designed to welcome teams, fans, and media from across Africa and beyond under optimal conditions.
In a similar fashion to 2023, the 2025 tournament will feature 24 national teams divided into six groups of four. This now well-established format guarantees a richer, more thrilling competition and offers greater opportunities for emerging football nations to shine.
The group stage will be followed by a knockout phase beginning in the round of 16, leading to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the grand finale scheduled at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Beyond the sporting challenge, AfCON 2025 gives Morocco another opportunity to reaffirm its role as a leading continental sports hub. In recent years, the Kingdom has hosted several high-profile events, including the FIFA Club World Cup (2022), the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2018), the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (2022 and 2025), the U17 Men’s AFCON, as well as the U17 Women’s World Cup (2025).
This impressive momentum highlights Morocco’s capacity to guarantee exemplary hosting conditions while showcasing Africa’s dynamism through sport.
AfCON Morocco 2025 will be far more than a football tournament: it promises to be a celebration of African unity, a festival of the continent, and a showcase of modern Africa’s organizational potential. Morocco aims to deliver a benchmark edition -one worthy of its long, rich history and deep passion for the beautiful game.
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