The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is set to take centre stage in Morocco, bringing with it a wave of anticipation, innovation and promise as Africa’s flagship football competition returns for another historic chapter.
Fresh from their dramatic triumph on home soil, Cote d’Ivoire, crowned champions after defeating Nigeria in the final, arrive in Morocco determined to defend their title. The Elephants will be chasing a fifth continental crown, which would see them draw level with Ghana, and move closer to the competition’s most decorated nations — Egypt, with seven titles, and Cameroon, with five.
The stage is therefore set for a tournament where every match will matter, every margin will be slim, and every contender will arrive with belief. Cote d’Ivoire must combine the confidence of reigning champions with resilience, as they confront a field of increasingly ambitious challengers eager to disrupt the established order.
Across the continent, expectations are rising. Traditional heavyweights are seeking redemption after recent disappointments, while emerging forces sense an opportunity to write their own chapter in AFCON history.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 promises a competition defined by intensity, drama and continental pride — a tournament where legacy and ambition collide.
Dates & host country
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 will take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with Morocco hosting the continent’s premier football tournament for the second time in its history.
The North African nation returns as host a decade after being forced to withdraw from the 2015 edition, and now welcomes Africa with modern infrastructure, extensive organisational experience and a football culture deeply rooted in the game.
Morocco’s hosting of the competition forms part of a broader sporting vision, following recent successful CAF events and ahead of its co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The 24 qualified 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: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Host stadiums and cities
Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex – 69,500 seats
Al Barid Stadium – 18,000 seats
Olympic Annex Stadium (Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex) – 21,000 seats
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex – 22,000 seats
Casablanca: Mohammed V Sports Complex – 45,000 seats
Agadir: Agadir Grand Stadium – 41,144 seats
Marrakech: Marrakech Grand Stadium – 41,245 seats
Fès: Fès Sports Complex – 35,468 seats
Tangier: Tangier Grand Stadium – 75,600 seats
Match Schedule
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, holds a symbolic place in the football calendar. It is important to note that this will be the first edition of the Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in winter, with the opening match scheduled for Sunday, 21 December 2025, and the final set to be played on 18 January 2026.
The Mascot
Inspired by the Atlas Lion, a symbol of Morocco, Assad embodies strength, pride and cultural authenticity, uniting supporters across Africa.
As the tournament’s ambassador, Assad will animate stadiums, fan zones and community events, while also supporting digital and marketing initiatives. His youthful and expressive design reflects the diversity and warmth of the African continent.
Beyond the tournament itself, Assad will contribute to the development of grassroots football and youth programmes, inspiring and bringing together generations to celebrate unity and the passion of African football.