Morocco Gears Up to Host Expanded AFCON 2025 Tournament

Morocco is preparing to host the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking its second time hosting the prestigious tournament since 1988. The competition has evolved significantly, expanding from eight teams in its previous Moroccan edition to 24 teams in the upcoming tournament.

As host nation, Morocco has secured automatic qualification, while 23 other teams earned their spots through qualifiers conducted between September and November 2024. The tournament will feature prominent football powerhouses including Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria, though notably absent are Ghana and Guinea, who failed to qualify.

The official draw ceremony is scheduled for January 27, 2025, in Rabat. While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has yet to announce the final venue selection, several stadiums are under consideration and renovation. These include the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Adrar Stadium in Agadir, and the stadiums in Marrakech and Fez.

The tournament will commence on December 21st, 2025, with the final match set for January 18th, 2026. Morocco brings substantial experience in hosting major football events, having successfully organized the 2018 CHAN, the 2022 Women's AFCON, and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.

FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized the significance of hosting AFCON 2025, describing it as a "historic moment." He acknowledged King Mohammed VI's contribution to African football development and expressed Morocco's commitment to delivering an exceptional tournament experience.

The host nation's football prowess is evident in their FIFA rankings, where they maintained their position as Africa's highest-ranked team for the third consecutive year. Despite a slight drop from 13th to 14th place globally, Morocco's 1688.18 points in 2024 represented an improvement from their 1661.69 points in 2023. They lead other African football nations including Senegal (17th), Egypt (33rd), Algeria (37th), and Nigeria (44th).

The tournament is expected to attract football enthusiasts from across the globe, showcasing both Morocco's organizational capabilities and the vibrant spirit of African football.