The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) returns at the end of 2025 with a historic edition set to take place in Morocco, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. For the first time ever, Africa’s biggest football tournament will unfold across the Christmas and New Year period, promising a festive yet fiercely competitive month of continental football.
Ivory Coast enter the tournament as reigning champions after their unforgettable triumph at AFCON 2023, where they staged one of the most dramatic comebacks in tournament history to defeat Nigeria 2–1 in the final. With powerhouses across Africa chasing the crown, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling editions yet.
Where Is AFCON 2025 Being Held?
Morocco was officially awarded hosting rights on September 27, 2023, after Guinea was stripped of the tournament due to infrastructure and readiness concerns. Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision, stating that Guinea’s facilities were not prepared to host the competition.
This will be Morocco’s second time hosting AFCON, having previously staged the tournament in 1988. Known for its football culture, modern stadiums, and strong logistical infrastructure, Morocco is widely regarded as an ideal host for a winter tournament.
Originally scheduled for the summer of 2025, AFCON was moved to December and January due to the expanded Club World Cup, ensuring minimal disruption to domestic leagues and international calendars.
Tournament Dates at a Glance
- Opening match: Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Final: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Last 16: January 3–6, 2026
- Quarter-finals: January 9–10, 2026
- Semi-finals: January 14, 2026
- Third-place play-off: January 17, 2026
AFCON 2025 Stadiums and Host Cities
The tournament will be played across six host cities and nine stadiums, offering a mix of large-capacity national venues and modern football arenas.
Confirmed Stadiums:
- Adrar Stadium, Agadir (45,480)
- Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca (45,000)
- Fez Stadium, Fez (45,000)
- Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh (45,240)
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (68,700)
- Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat (22,000)
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium, Rabat (21,000)
- Al Barid Stadium, Rabat (18,000)
- Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier (75,000)
Rabat will serve as a major tournament hub, hosting matches across four different venues.
AFCON 2025 Group Stage Draw
The 24 qualified teams are divided into six groups, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage.
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
Group Stage Fixtures & Kick-Off Times (GMT)
Sunday, December 21
- Morocco vs Comoros (7pm) – Rabat
Monday, December 22
- Mali vs Zambia (2.30pm) – Casablanca
- Egypt vs Zimbabwe (5pm) – Agadir
- South Africa vs Angola (7.30pm) – Marrakesh
Tuesday, December 23
- Nigeria vs Tanzania (12pm) – Fez
- Tunisia vs Uganda (2.30pm) – Rabat
- Senegal vs Botswana (5pm) – Tangier
- DR Congo vs Benin (7.30pm) – Rabat
Wednesday, December 24
- Algeria vs Sudan (12pm) – Rabat
- Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea (2.30pm) – Casablanca
- Ivory Coast vs Mozambique (5pm) – Marrakesh
- Cameroon vs Gabon (7.30pm) – Agadir
Friday, December 26
- Morocco vs Mali (12pm) – Rabat
- Zambia vs Comoros (2.30pm) – Casablanca
- Egypt vs South Africa (5pm) – Agadir
- Angola vs Zimbabwe (7.30pm) – Marrakesh
Saturday, December 27
- Nigeria vs Tunisia (12pm) – Fez
- Uganda vs Tanzania (2.30pm) – Rabat
- Senegal vs DR Congo (5pm) – Tangier
- Benin vs Botswana (7.30pm) – Rabat
Sunday, December 28
- Algeria vs Burkina Faso (12pm) – Rabat
- Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (2.30pm) – Casablanca
- Ivory Coast vs Cameroon (5pm) – Marrakesh
- Gabon vs Mozambique (7.30pm) – Agadir
Monday, December 29
- Comoros vs Mali (5.30pm) – Casablanca
- Zambia vs Morocco (5.30pm) – Rabat
- Angola vs Egypt (7.30pm) – Agadir
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa (7.30pm) – Marrakesh
Tuesday, December 30
- Tanzania vs Tunisia (5pm) – Rabat
- Uganda vs Nigeria (5pm) – Fez
- Benin vs Senegal (7.30pm) – Tangier
- Botswana vs DR Congo (7.30pm) – Rabat
Wednesday, December 31
- Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria (5pm) – Rabat
- Sudan vs Burkina Faso (5pm) – Casablanca
- Gabon vs Ivory Coast (7.30pm) – Marrakesh
- Mozambique vs Cameroon (7.30pm) – Agadir
Who Are the Defending Champions?
Ivory Coast remain the team to beat after lifting the trophy in front of home fans in 2023. Their victory, achieved after a dramatic turnaround during the tournament, secured their third AFCON title and reaffirmed their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
How to Follow AFCON 2025
Fans can keep up with fixtures, results, and breaking news via the Sky Sports app, which will provide updates, notifications, and match coverage throughout the tournament.
For additional football-related entertainment and galleries, related content may appear via:
https://vibebuzzdaily.com
Final Thoughts
AFCON 2025 promises elite football, passionate support, and high-stakes drama, all set against the backdrop of Morocco’s world-class stadiums. With traditional giants, emerging contenders, and festive timing, this edition could become one of the most memorable Africa Cup of Nations tournaments ever held.
As the countdown begins, Africa and the football world will be watching.
