THE 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), officially the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, begins today with the opening match between host nation Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
This marks the first time the tournament spans the Christmas and New Year period, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Morocco stepped in as host after Guinea’s hosting rights were revoked in 2022 due to concerns about infrastructure.
This is Morocco’s second time staging AFCON, following 1988, and it serves as a major test ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Nine state-of-the-art venues across six cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier—will host 52 matches.
Tournament Format and Key Details
24 teams divided into six groups of four.
Group stage: Round-robin format.
Advancement: Top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, proceed to the Round of 16.
Knockout phase: Single-elimination until the final.
Defending champions: Ivory Coast, who won a dramatic 2023 edition (held in early 2024) with a stunning comeback victory over Nigeria in the final.
Groups and Notable Matchups
The draw has produced intriguing groups:
Group A: Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
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, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Expect fireworks in Group F, where defending champions Ivory Coast face Cameroon and Gabon, and Group B pits Egypt against South Africa.
Star Players and Favourites
Morocco enters as strong favourites on home soil, boasting a golden generation including Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Yassine Bounou. They aim to end a 49-year wait for their first AFCON title since 1976.
Other top contenders:
Egypt — Seeking an eighth title, led by Mohamed Salah.
Senegal — Champions in 2021, with a balanced squad.
Nigeria — Featuring Victor Osimhen. Algeria — Two-time winners.
Ivory Coast — Defending champions with talent like Sébastien Haller.
Venues
Nine stadiums will showcase the action, including the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (final) and Tangier’s Ibn Batouta Stadium (largest capacity at 75,000).
The tournament promises intense rivalries, upsets, and celebration of African talent.
As the continent unites, Morocco’s opening match sets the stage for a month of thrilling football.