Africa’s biggest football festival, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, is set to kick off later this year, promising weeks of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments as the continent’s best national teams battle for glory in Morocco.
The tournament will officially begin on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with the final scheduled for 18 January 2026. This timing marks a shift from the usual January start, allowing AFCON to fit better into the global football calendar while still delivering a full month of top-level African football.
A Continental Showpiece in Morocco
Morocco will host the competition across several major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fès and Tangier. Matches will be played in modern stadiums, with Rabat hosting both the opening game and the final. The choice of Morocco reflects the country’s growing reputation for hosting major sporting events and investing heavily in football infrastructure.
Tournament Format and Teams
AFCON 2025 will feature 24 national teams, divided into six groups of four. Each team will play three group matches, with the top two teams from each group automatically qualifying for the knockout stage. They will be joined by the four best third-placed teams, completing the Round of 16 lineup.
From there, the tournament moves into straight knockout football, including the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place playoff and the final. Any match tied after 90 minutes in the knockout rounds will go to extra time and penalties if needed.
Heavyweights and Rising Contenders
Traditional giants such as Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco and Ivory Coast are expected to headline the competition. At the same time, emerging teams will be looking to upset the established powers and make history, continuing AFCON’s reputation as one of the most unpredictable tournaments in world football.
The group stage will run from 21 to 31 December, setting up a thrilling New Year period filled with knockout matches as the competition intensifies in January.
More Than Just Football
Beyond the action on the pitch, AFCON remains a powerful symbol of African unity, culture and pride. The tournament brings together fans from across the continent and the diaspora, boosting tourism, local economies and international attention on African football.
Young players will use the stage to announce themselves to the world, while established stars aim to cement their legacy by lifting Africa’s most prestigious international trophy.
Countdown to Kick-Off
With just weeks to go until the opening match, excitement continues to build across Africa and beyond. As teams finalize preparations and fans count down the days, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable chapter in African football history.
From the first whistle in December to the final showdown in January, all eyes will be on Morocco as the continent celebrates the beautiful game once again.