The countdown to the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has formally begun because the North African nation of Morocco prepares to host the continent’s premier soccer match for the second time in its historical past.
With the qualifiers set to start out on Wednesday, this is a complete information to what followers can count on from the thirty fifth version of this iconic competitors.
A Return to Morocco
Morocco final hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, a match that noticed simply eight groups compete, with Cameroon rising victorious after a hard-fought last towards Nigeria.
Quick ahead to 2025, and the match has expanded considerably, with 24 groups set to compete, highlighting the expansion and growth of African soccer over the previous three many years.
Morocco was confirmed because the host nation on September 27, 2023, a choice that has been met with widespread enthusiasm.
The Atlas Lions, who routinely qualify because the host nation, are wanting to showcase their nation’s readiness to host a contest of this magnitude, particularly after their historic efficiency within the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the place they grew to become the primary African nation to achieve the semi-finals.
Stadiums and Host Cities
Whereas the Royal Moroccan Soccer Federation has but to formally announce the venues, a number of iconic stadiums are anticipated to play a central position within the match. These embrace:
Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: A probable centerpiece of the match, this historic venue hosted the 1988 AFCON last and is anticipated to be a significant venue as soon as once more. Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: One other key venue, at the moment present process enlargement to extend its capability. Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Set to host a few of the match’s greatest matches, with an expanded capability to accommodate extra followers. Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Recognized for its beautiful location and trendy amenities, additionally being expanded forward of the match. Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh: A well-liked venue with followers and prone to see important motion through the match. Fez Stadium, Fez: A extra conventional setting that can add to the various experiences provided to followers.
Qualifiers and Groups
Whereas Morocco is the one crew at the moment assured of a spot within the match because the host nation, the remaining 23 spots will likely be determined by means of a rigorous qualifying course of.
The qualifiers, which kick off in September 2024, will see 48 nations divided into 12 teams, with the highest two groups from every group securing their place in Morocco.
The qualification course of guarantees intense competitors, with groups like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a spot.
Key Dates
The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to start on December 21, 2025, and can culminate with the ultimate on January 18, 2026.
These dates are essential for followers and groups alike as they put together for essentially the most prestigious soccer match on the African continent.
Morocco’s Rising Soccer Fame
Morocco’s choice because the host for AFCON 2025 isn’t any shock given the nation’s latest observe document in efficiently internet hosting main worldwide soccer occasions.
From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Ladies’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Membership World Cup in 2023, Morocco has constantly demonstrated its capability to prepare and ship world-class soccer tournaments.
This observe document, mixed with the nation’s passionate soccer tradition and state-of-the-art infrastructure, units the stage for what might be one of the crucial memorable editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Wanting Forward
Because the highway to Morocco 2025 begins, anticipation is excessive not only for the match itself however for what it symbolizes–a celebration of African soccer and a showcase of Morocco’s dedication to the game. With world-class amenities, a football-mad inhabitants, and up to date expertise in internet hosting main tournaments, Morocco is poised to ship an AFCON that can set new benchmarks for the competitors.
