The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands as Africa’s premier football tournament, uniting nations across the continent in a celebration of talent, culture, and competition. The 2025 edition, marking the 35th installment, is set to be a landmark event for several reasons.

Tournament Overview

Scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the 2025 AFCON will be hosted by Morocco. This marks Morocco’s second time hosting the tournament, the first being in 1988. The decision to hold the tournament during the winter months was influenced by the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States during the traditional mid-year AFCON window. 

Qualification Process

The road to the 2025 AFCON has been intense, with teams competing across various groups to secure their spots. As of November 2024, several teams have confirmed their participation:

Algeria: Secured qualification with a strong performance in Group H.

Angola: Maintained an unbeaten record in Group D, ensuring their place in the tournament.

Burkina Faso: Dominated Group B, showcasing their prowess on the field.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Clinched their spot with consistent performances in Group I.

Egypt: Continued their AFCON legacy by topping Group G.

Ivory Coast: Secured qualification without playing, as Sierra Leone’s 1-1 draw with Chad assured the Ivorians’ top-two finish in Group G. 

Morocco: As hosts, Morocco automatically qualified, adding to the excitement of the tournament.

Senegal: Demonstrated their strength by leading Group E.

Cameroon: Already qualified, drew 0-0 with Namibia in Group J. 

Equatorial Guinea: Secured their spot after Liberia’s 1-0 win over Togo eliminated both from contention in Group E. 

These teams will join the defending champions, Ivory Coast, in the tournament.

Tournament Format

The 2025 AFCON will feature 24 teams divided into six groups of four. Each group will play a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages. This structure ensures a competitive and engaging tournament, with teams vying for supremacy in African football.

Host Cities and Venues

Morocco has selected six cities to host the matches:

Casablanca: Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Casablanca will host matches at the Mohammed V Stadium.

Marrakech: The iconic Stade de Marrakech will be the venue for several group-stage games.

Rabat: The capital city will utilize the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for key fixtures.

Tangier: The Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier will host matches, adding to the city’s international appeal.

Agadir: The Stade d’Agadir will be a central venue for the tournament.

Fez: The Fez Stadium will complete the list of host venues, offering a unique atmosphere for the games.

Key Fixtures and Dates

While the complete fixture schedule is yet to be announced, the tournament is set to commence on December 21, 2025, with the opening match likely featuring the host nation, Morocco. The final is scheduled for January 18, 2026, promising a thrilling conclusion to the month-long football spectacle.

Impact on Players and Clubs

The scheduling of the AFCON during the European football season has raised concerns among European clubs regarding the availability of their African players. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been in discussions with various stakeholders to address these concerns and ensure the smooth participation of players in both club and international competitions. 

Expectations and Anticipation

The 2025 AFCON is anticipated to be a tournament of high stakes and intense competition. With teams like Senegal, Egypt, and Morocco boasting strong squads, and the defending champions, Ivory Coast, eager to retain their title, fans can expect a month of exhilarating football. The tournament also offers a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a continental stage.

Fixture Schedule

While the exact match schedule is yet to be released, the tournament will commence on December 21, 2025, with the opening match in Rabat. The group stage matches will be held across the six host cities, with each city hosting multiple matches. The knockout stages, including the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, will be played in Rabat and Casablanca.

Broadcasting and Viewing

The 2025 AFCON will be broadcast across various platforms, ensuring global coverage. In Morocco, the matches will be televised by Société Nationale de Radio Télévision, with additional coverage provided by 2M, Medi 1 TV, and Télé Maroc. International viewers can expect broadcasts through major sports networks and streaming services, with specific details to be announced closer to the tournament dates.

FAQs

When is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This marks a shift to a winter schedule due to the clash with the FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to take place during the usual mid-year window.

Where will the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations be held?

The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco. This will be Morocco’s second time hosting the tournament, with their first hosting in 1988. The tournament will be played across six cities: Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, and Fez.

What is the tournament format for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

The tournament will feature 24 teams, divided into 6 groups of 4 teams each. The teams will compete in a round-robin format within their respective groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout stages, which include the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final.

When will the fixtures be announced?

The full schedule for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will likely be released closer to the start of the tournament, with a tentative kickoff date set for December 21, 2025. Specific match dates and times will depend on television broadcast agreements and other logistics.

In Summary

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, the excitement among fans and players alike continues to build. With Morocco set to host the tournament for the second time, the event promises to be a memorable chapter in the history of African football. As teams finalize their preparations and fans eagerly await the kickoff, the 2025 AFCON is poised to deliver moments of brilliance, passion, and unity that only football can bring.

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