Africa Unites: 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Kicks Off in Morocco

The countdown to the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun as North African nation Morocco prepares to host the continent's premier football tournament for the second time in its history. The 24 teams set to compete have completed the grueling qualification process, and fans can now look forward to an exciting 35-day extravaganza.

The Atlas Lions, Morocco as their hosts, are eager to showcase their country's readiness to host a competition of this magnitude. This will be the second time Morocco has hosted the tournament in 1988, when just eight teams competed.

Stadiums and Host Cities

Morocco has been preparing for the tournament since being confirmed as the host nation in September 2023. While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to announce details, iconic stadiums are expected to play a central role in the tournament, including:

• Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: A likely centerpiece of the tournament, this historic venue will be used for some of the biggest matches.
• Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Currently undergoing expansion to increase its capacity, this stadium is set to host several matches.
• Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Set to host matches, including some of the biggest games, with an expanded capacity to accommodate more fans.
• Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Expanding ahead of the tournament, this stadium will also play a significant role in the competition.
• Marrakech Stadium, Marrakech: A popular venue with fans and sure to see action during the tournament, set to host several matches.
• Fez Stadium, Fez: A traditional setting that adds to the diverse experiences offered to fans.

Qualifiers and Teams

Morocco was the only team assured of a place as the host nation. The remaining 23 spots were decided through an intense qualification process, which saw 48 nations divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group secured their place in Morocco.

The 24 countries qualified for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025:

Morocco (Hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Sudan, Benin, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique

Final Draw and Dates

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final Draw will be held in Rabat on January 27, 2025. The opening match will take place on December 21, 2025.

Morocco's Growing Football Reputation

Morocco's selection as the host for AFCON 2025 is no surprise given the country's recent track record in hosting major international football events. From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, Morocco has consistently demonstrated its capacity to organize world-class tournaments.

With Moroccan fans eager for football, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a passionate culture supporting the event, Morocco is poised to deliver an AFCON that will set new benchmarks for the competition.