AFCON 2025: What to expect from the continental showpiece in Morocco
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, featuring 24 national teams from across the continent.
It marks the second time Morocco will host the tournament, following its first staging in 1988.
This year’s tournament introduces a number of firsts. It will be played across nine venues in six cities, making it the largest venue spread in AFCON history.
The schedule was pushed from its original June–July window to avoid clashing with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup. As a result, AFCON will, for the first time, take place during the Christmas and New Year period.
The competition is expected to serve as a test event for Morocco’s preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Portugal and Spain.
With seven of Africa’s confirmed 2026 World Cup teams participating, AFCON 2025 will act as a key preparatory platform.
Tournament schedule and groupings
AFCON begins on 21 December and concludes on 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Teams will be grouped as follows:
- Group A: Morocco, 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
Key stages include group matches from 21–31 December, followed by the knockout rounds beginning 3 January.
Teams to watch
Morocco, seeking a first title since 1976, is banking on its golden generation. Head coach Walid Regragui hopes Achraf Hakimi will be available to lead the squad.
Nigeria, finalists in the last edition, aim to reclaim glory with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman taking over leadership after former captain William Troost-Ekong retired. The Super Eagles, despite failing to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, would look to rewrite their fortunes.
Egypt, the record seven-time champions, are led by Mohamed Salah, who would like to put the recent controversies and his poor form at club side Liverpool behind him as he turns up to the tournament to continue the chase for his first AFCON title. Salah will be joined by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as they look to reclaim the title last won in 2010.
Côte d’Ivoire, now under the permanent leadership of Emerse Faé, return with confidence following their surprise 2023 title win. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is expected to play a key role.
Senegal, champions in 2021, has stalwarts Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly still representing and will look to win their second trophy to mark the end of a successful golden generation for the side.
Cameroon enters amid controversy after omitting Vincent Aboubakar and André Onana. New coach David Pagou will rely on Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo to drive the campaign.
Other contenders include Algeria, Tunisia, and South Africa, which finished third in the previous edition.
Three former champions—Ghana, Ethiopia, and Congo (Brazzaville)—failed to qualify for this tournament.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
