Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Morocco Kicks Off Continental Football Showpiece
Tournament Begins with Historic Opening Match
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 takes place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Hosts Morocco ground down a gritty Comoros side 2-0 on Sunday night to launch their bid for a second Africa Cup of Nations trophy. The tournament represents Africa’s premier football competition, bringing together the continent’s finest talent on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sees 24 nations vie for Afcon glory over the coming weeks, as Morocco plays host for the second time. Morocco is hosting the 35th edition of AFCON across nine venues in six cities – the most ever for an AFCON. This marks a significant moment for African football, with the tournament bringing unprecedented attention to Morocco’s sporting infrastructure and capabilities.
Favourites and Key Contenders
Walid Regragui remains as head coach and the Atlas Lions are favourites to settle the score and clinch the title on home soil. Playing at home and riding an 18-match winning streak, Morocco enter AFCON 2025 as the top favorite. The hosts boast considerable talent, including Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, who was recently named African Player of the Year.
Ivory Coast the defending champions and the likes of South Africa looking to impress ahead of the FIFA World Cup next year. The Pharaohs are the most successful team in AFCON history with seven titles. Their last was in 2010, but they have been runners-up twice since and there could hardly be a better way for Mo Salah to silence his doubters than by achieving continental glory. Nigeria, Senegal, and Egypt round out the main contenders, each bringing world-class players and tournament pedigree.
Significance for African Football
The Africa Cup of Nations represents more than just a sporting event. Morocco have been the top-ranked African side since the 2022 Fifa World Cup, when they became the first side from the continent to reach the semi-finals, and their ambition on the pitch has been matched by vast investment in football stadiums and infrastructure – all backed by King Mohammed VI.
With star players from Europe’s top leagues returning to represent their nations, the tournament provides a platform for African football to shine globally. With high-profile players such as Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen set to feature, the 2025 edition is expected to deliver top-tier football and storylines that extend well beyond the pitch. For fans worldwide, the tournament promises dramatic encounters, emerging talent, and the passionate celebration of African football culture that makes AFCON unique among international competitions.