The stage is set for Africa’s most prestigious football tournament as the draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been finalized. Scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, the tournament will feature 24 nations competing across six cities. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, record title-holders Egypt, and host nation Morocco are among the top contenders vying for the coveted trophy.
Group Lineups Announced
The draw, held on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, placed the participating teams into six groups of four. The groups promise thrilling encounters between Africa’s football giants and emerging teams:
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: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Tournament Format and Schedule
The tournament will kick off with the opening match between Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Over the next four weeks, teams will compete in a round-robin format during the group stage, with each team playing three matches.
The top two teams from each group will advance automatically to the knockout stages. The best four third-placed teams will also qualify, completing the round of 16 lineup. From there, the competition will follow a straight knockout format, culminating in the final on January 18, 2026.
Key Highlights
- Morocco, the host nation, will aim to capitalize on their home advantage after their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals.
- Côte d’Ivoire enters the tournament as defending champions, having won the last AFCON as hosts.
- Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, likely in the twilight of his international career at 33, will look to lead his nation to glory and add an AFCON title to his illustrious resume.
- Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria, with their star-studded squads, are expected to bring intensity and flair to the tournament.
Venues Across Morocco
Matches will be held in six iconic Moroccan cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier, Fez, and Agadir. These venues are set to provide a world-class backdrop for the tournament, showcasing Morocco’s passion for football and its readiness to host major international events.
The Road to AFCON 2025
AFCON 2025 marks a significant moment in African football, with all but two of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) member nations participating in the qualifiers. Following a rigorous qualification process, 24 teams emerged from a pool of 52 hopefuls, earning their spot in the tournament.
What’s at Stake
The Africa Cup of Nations is more than just a football competition; it is a celebration of African unity, talent, and culture. As the countdown begins, the continent eagerly anticipates a tournament filled with passion, drama, and unforgettable moments.
With the draw complete, the journey to crown Africa’s next football kings is officially underway. Fans across the globe are set to witness a thrilling showcase of skill, determination, and the unyielding spirit of African football.