The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the dates for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be hosted in Morocco.
The tournament is set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with the group stage draw taking place on January 27, 2025, in Rabat.
Originally planned for the summer months, the tournament’s schedule was adjusted due to potential conflicts with the FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to occur in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
This year marks the 35th edition of AFCON, and Morocco will be hosting the event for the second time since 1988.
A total of 24 teams will participate in this prestigious competition, including favorites such as Morocco, Senegal, and reigning champions Ivory Coast.
Other nations like Algeria and Nigeria are also expected to compete. The draw on January 27 will determine the group stage matchups for these teams.
Morocco’s selection as host highlights its growing reputation as a premier destination for international football events.
The country has successfully organized several major tournaments recently, showcasing its capabilities in hosting large-scale sporting competitions.