Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is getting ready to showcase the continent’s top football teams and talent in Morocco. Kicking off on Sunday, this year’s tournament sees the Ivory Coast aiming to defend their title while strong contenders like Morocco, Egypt, and Senegal also vie for the crown. With star players such as Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen participating, the 2025 edition promises thrilling football and captivating stories both on and off the field.
Key Dates and Venue Information
The CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 opens with the host nation, Morocco, facing Comoros. The final match is set for January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which boasts a capacity of 69,500 spectators. Below is the schedule for the tournament:
- Group Stage: December 21 to 31
- Round of 16: January 3 to 6
- Quarterfinals: January 9 and 10
- Semifinals: January 14
- Third-Place Playoff: January 17
- Final: January 18
Why the December Start?
Initially, AFCON 2025 was scheduled for June; however, the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, taking place at the same time in the U.S., forced a schedule change. This year’s tournament is historic as it marks the first time AFCON occurs during the Christmas and New Year season.
Host City and Venues
Morocco will host the 35th AFCON edition using nine venues across six cities, the most ever for the tournament. Originally slated for Guinea, the hosting rights were reassigned due to concerns over infrastructure. Morocco last hosted AFCON in 1988. The venues include:
- Agadir: Adrar Stadium (45,480 capacity)
- Casablanca: Stade Mohammed V (67,000 capacity)
- Fez: Fez Stadium (45,000 capacity)
- Marrakesh: Marrakesh Stadium (45,240 capacity)
- Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (69,500 capacity)
- Rabat: Moulay Hassan Stadium (22,000 capacity)
- Rabat: Rabat Olympic Stadium (21,000 capacity)
- Rabat: Al Barid Stadium (18,000 capacity)
- Tangier: Ibn Batouta Stadium (75,600 capacity)
Participating Teams
Twenty-four teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are set to compete in the tournament. Among them are the defending champions Ivory Coast and famed teams like Egypt and Nigeria. The teams are divided into six groups:
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
- Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
- Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
- Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
- Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Tournament Format
Teams will compete in a round-robin format during the group stages. The top two teams from each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, will move on to the knockout stages. If matches are tied after regulation time, extra time and, if necessary, penalties will be used to determine the winner.
Player Preparations
FIFA confirmed a new player release date of December 15, which presents challenges for coaches attempting to prepare their teams in less than a week. Criticism arose from coaches regarding the short time frame, emphasizing the need for better respect toward African football.
Historical Context
Egypt holds the record for most AFCON titles, with seven championships, although they haven’t won since 2010. Cameroon follows with five titles while Ghana, a four-time winner, will not compete this year due to lack of qualification.
Why AFCON Matters
AFCON is vital as it represents the pinnacle of African football, often showcasing teams capable of excelling in global tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup. The competition reflects the continent’s rich heritage and growing talent pool, making it a significant event not only for football enthusiasts but also for national pride.
Top Contenders
Both the host nation Morocco and the reigning champions Ivory Coast are viewed as strong candidates for the title. Morocco, currently ranked 11th globally, has seen a remarkable surge in performance, capitalizing on home advantage to seek their first title in fifty years. Meanwhile, Egypt, led by star player Mohamed Salah, remains a formidable force in the tournament.
Prize Money Overview
Similar to the previous edition, the prize for the tournament winner sits at $7 million, while the runner-up will receive $4 million. Overall, the total prize pool for the 2025 AFCON is $32 million.
Tickets and Viewing Options
Tickets for AFCON became available on CAF’s official platform in mid-October, with significant sales recorded from fans in numerous countries. The final match tickets sold out quickly, indicating high interest. Regional broadcasters will cover the event, with various platforms providing live updates and commentary.
Conclusion
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football, culture, and national pride. With top teams and players competing, fans can expect intense matchups and dramatic moments as nations vie for the coveted title.
Key Takeaways
- AFCON 2025 kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, featuring 24 teams.
- The tournament will conclude with the final on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
- FIFA’s late player release decision has raised concerns among coaches regarding team preparations.
- Morocco and Ivory Coast are leading contenders, with exciting matches anticipated throughout the competition.