Africa Cup of Nations 2025
"The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is the 35th edition of the continent’s most prestigious football tournament, organized under the supervision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This edition will be hosted by Morocco, marking the second time the country has held the tournament since the 1988 edition. The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the oldest and most important football competitions in the world, bringing together the best African national teams in a fierce battle for the continental title. It is a remarkable sporting event eagerly awaited by football fans across Africa and around the world."
"Since its inception in 1957 in Sudan, the tournament has undergone significant developments, both in terms of the number of participating teams and the level of competition. It began with just three national teams, but over the years, it has expanded to include 24 teams competing over several weeks in thrilling and intense matches. The tournament starts with a group stage, where the teams are divided into six groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advance to the knockout stage, which includes the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and finally, the Grand Final that crowns the champion of Africa."
"As the host country, Morocco will provide advanced sports infrastructure, with matches expected to take place in several major cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. These cities boast modern stadiums capable of accommodating the large crowds anticipated to attend the games. The tournament is expected to witness a massive turnout, especially given that football is the most popular sport in Africa. Additionally, the competition enjoys significant global media coverage and international attention."
"Throughout its history, the Africa Cup of Nations has witnessed many iconic moments. Egypt holds the record as the most successful national team with 7 titles, followed by Cameroon with 5, and Ghana with 4. The most recent champion is Côte d’Ivoire, who won the 2023 edition hosted on home soil. The tournament is also known as a treasure trove of African talent, having helped launch the careers of many players who later became global stars, such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, and Sadio Mané."
"Beyond the football excitement the tournament delivers, it also serves as a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties between African nations and to promote the continent’s culture and sporting identity. As the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, all eyes are on Morocco to witness one of the most thrilling editions of the tournament — as fans eagerly await to see who will lift the trophy and be crowned the Champion of Africa!"
Venues and Stadiums
"On January 27, 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in coordination with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the local organizing committee, announced nine stadiums across six cities that will host the tournament matches. These venues include: Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Moulay Hassan Stadium, the annex Olympic Stadium of Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex, and Barid Stadium in the capital Rabat; Tangier Stadium in Tangier; Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca; Fez Sports Complex in Fez; Marrakech Stadium in Marrakech; and Adrar Stadium in Agadir. The opening ceremony, the tournament's opening match, and the final will all take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex after its renovation."
The most important stadiums hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Mohammed V Stadium (Casablanca)
Mohammed V Stadium is one of the most famous stadiums in Morocco, located in the heart of Casablanca, which is the economic capital of the kingdom. It was opened in 1955 and has undergone several development processes, making it one of the best stadiums in Africa. It is characterized by its large seating capacity of 45,000 spectators and hosts matches of Raja and Wydad Casablanca, in addition to many international matches and continental finals.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex
This stadium is considered the main one in the capital, with a capacity of 69,500 spectators. It will host the opening ceremony, the opening match, as well as the semi-finals and the final.
The Olympic Stadium annexed to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex
The Olympic Stadium annexed to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex It is one of the supporting stadiums that will be used during The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations In the capital RabatThis stadium is considered part of the larger sports complex and aims to provide additional space to host some matches, helping to balance the tournament's schedule. The stadium has been equipped according to international standards to ensure a distinguished sporting experience for both the participating teams and the attending spectators.
One of the stadiums that will host matches The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations In the capital RabatThis stadium has been designated to host Four matches During the tournament, making it part of the sports infrastructure that supports the success of the continental event. This stadium is one of the venues that reflects Morocco's readiness to organize the tournament to the highest standards, with its facilities developed to ensure a suitable environment for both the teams and the spectators.
One of the stadiums that will host matches The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in The capital, RabatThis stadium has been designated to host Four matches During the tournament, it is considered one of the modern stadiums that typically hosts matches for Moroccan clubs and national teams across various age categories. The stadium is distinguished by its strategic location and advanced facilities, making it suitable for hosting continental matches according to the highest international standards. This contributes to enhancing Rabat's status as one of the leading sports cities in Africa.
It is one of the most modern stadiums in Morocco, opened in 2011, and is located in the famous tourist city of Marrakech. Its capacity is approximately 45,000 spectators, and it is equipped with the latest technologies. The stadium features a unique design that blends modernity with traditional Moroccan elements. It has hosted many international matches, including the FIFA Club World Cup.
Located in the city of Agadir in southern Morocco, it is considered one of the modern stadiums in the country, having opened in 2013. It has a seating capacity of 45,000 spectators and is known for its strong infrastructure, making it suitable for hosting major matches. This stadium has previously hosted several important sports events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup.
Located in northern Morocco in the city of Tangier, it is known for its modern design and advanced facilities. With a capacity of 65,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in the tournament in terms of seating capacity. This stadium has hosted many major sporting events, including the Spanish Super Cup, where it hosted the match between Barcelona and Sevilla in 2018.
Grand Stadium of Fez
It is considered one of the important stadiums in Morocco, with a capacity of around 40,000 spectators. It stands out with its unique design and solid structure, and has hosted many international and local matches. It is expected to host some matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, especially during the group stage.
Advantages of the Moroccan stadiums hosting the tournament
All the stadiums are equipped with high-quality pitches that comply with FIFA and CAF standards.
They feature advanced facilities, such as modern lighting systems and locker rooms equipped with the latest technologies.
They are distributed across different cities, reflecting the geographical and cultural diversity of Morocco.
Some of these stadiums have hosted international matches, making them well-prepared to welcome the biggest sporting events.
Championship system
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations follows a format that combines the group stage and knockout rounds to ensure strong competition among the participating teams. A total of 24 national teams will take part in the tournament, divided into 6 groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will qualify for the next round.The knockout stage begins from the Round of 16, with matches played in a single-elimination format all the way to the final. The team that wins the final match will be crowned champion of Africa, in a tournament considered one of the most exciting football competitions in the world!
