AFCON 2025: Morocco Aims to End 50-Year Trophy Drought as Tournament Begins

21 December 2025 Football

A Historic Tournament Takes Centre Stage

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) is set to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, marking a significant moment in African football history. This is the first time the tournament has taken place over the Christmas and New Year period, a scheduling decision that has sparked considerable debate across the continent. The tournament will take place across six host cities in Morocco, utilizing nine stadiums that have either been newly built or upgraded to meet international standards.

Morocco’s Quest for Continental Glory

For host nation Morocco, AFCON 2025 represents more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to end a lengthy wait for glory. Since last lifting the Afcon trophy in Ethiopia in 1976, the Atlas Lions have rarely come close to repeating the feat. Morocco has spent more than a decade reshaping its football, and hosting the tournament on home soil provides the perfect platform to showcase their progress. The Atlas Lions are among the favourites, alongside traditional powerhouses Egypt, Algeria, and Senegal.

Controversy Over Scheduling and Preparation

The tournament’s timing has generated significant criticism from coaches and football officials. The timing of this Afcon, to be played over the Christmas and New Year period in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fez, has never happened since the tournament began in 1957, igniting a storm of anger throughout the African football community. Angola’s coach excoriated the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and Fifa for shortening pre-Afcon team preparation time from two weeks to less than seven days, raising concerns about player welfare and competitive fairness.

What’s at Stake

With 32 Premier League players at the Africa Cup of Nations, the tournament will impact clubs worldwide. Egypt holds the record with 7 AFCON championships, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, whilst defending champions Ivory Coast will look to retain their crown. For fans and players alike, AFCON 2025 promises nearly four weeks of intense competition, showcasing Africa’s finest football talent on one of the sport’s grandest continental stages.