100 Days to AFCON 2025: Countdown begins for Africa’s biggest football showpiece

In exactly 100 days, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will kick off in Morocco, when the best on the continent gathers for the continent’s biggest showpiece.

The much-anticipated tournament promises a month-long festival of football that will bring together the continent’s finest talents, passionate fans, and unforgettable stories.

Scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, AFCON 2025 is set to be the biggest sporting spectacle on African soil before Christmas, during Christmas, and even in the New Year.

How the Draw ended in January

See you in December. 👋 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/KTceOywRtf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2025

Journey to Morocco

The road to AFCON has been nothing short of dramatic. Beginning with 48 nations, the qualification campaign stretched over months of intense football. Split into 12 groups of four, teams played six matches each [home and away], fighting for a top-two finish to secure their ticket to Morocco.

It was a campaign filled with shocks, breakthroughs, and heartbreaks, but ultimately, the final 24 emerged to compete at Africa’s grandest stage.

Tournament Format Explained

The action begins on 21 December when hosts Morocco lock horns with Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. For the next four weeks, the tournament will unfold across six Moroccan cities, blending tradition, passion, and modern football spectacle.

The group stage will see six groups of four teams each battling in a round-robin format. The top two from every group will qualify automatically for the knockout rounds, while the best four third-placed teams will also advance, completing the Round of 16.

From there, the drama intensifies. The knockout phase will deliver the thrills and heartbreaks that AFCON is known for, all building toward the grand finale on 18 January 2026, where one nation will etch its name into history as the new champion of Africa.

Morocco’s Role as Host

Hosting AFCON is both an honour and a challenge, and Morocco is leaving no stone unturned.

Known for its passionate football culture, the North African nation will showcase its modern infrastructure and iconic stadiums. Rabat alone will host matches across four venues, while Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir will also welcome the continent.

The Venues

• Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah – Rabat (Rabat 1)
• Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan – Rabat (Rabat 2)
• Stade Mohammed V – Casablanca
• Stade El Barid – Rabat (Rabat 3)
• Complexe Sportif de Fès – Fès
• Stade Annexe Olympique Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah – Rabat (Rabat 4)
• Grand Stade de Tanger – Tangier
• Grand Stade de Marrakech – Marrakech
• Grand Stade d’Agadir – Agadir

Anticipation Across the Continent

AFCON has always been more than just football; it is a celebration of African unity, resilience, and pride. For the players, it represents an opportunity to showcase their skills on the biggest continental stage, with many looking to make statements ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For the fans, it is four weeks of unforgettable passion, colour, and drama that only African football can deliver.

With fixtures confirmed, stadiums prepared, and excitement building, all that remains is the countdown. On 21 December, the continent’s eyes will turn to Rabat, where Morocco and Comoros will write the opening chapter of what promises to be an electrifying tournament.

As Africa counts down the final 100 days, the stage is set for a competition that could go down as one of the most memorable in AFCON history.

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