AFCON 2025: Morocco introduces base camps for 24 nations in historic tournament move

Morocco has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), introducing dedicated base camps for each of the 24 participating teams.

This marks the first time in the tournament’s history that such a system has been implemented, setting a new standard for logistics and organization in African football.

Each base camp will consist of a luxury hotel and a private training facility, exclusively reserved for one team throughout the competition.

The move aims to provide optimal conditions for players and staff, ensuring a seamless experience during the tournament, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The host nation, Morocco, has allocated its base camp in Salé, near the capital Rabat.

The Atlas Lions will utilize the state-of-the-art Mammora Center, one of the world’s most advanced sports complexes, and play their matches at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat.

Other African football powerhouses have also been assigned strategic locations. Senegal, led by coach Pape Thiaw, will be based in Tangier, where they will play at the Grand Stade de Tangier Ibn Batouta, a venue that previously hosted the Club World Cup final.

Egypt, seven-time African champions, will reside in Agadir’s Taghazout area, known for its luxurious amenities, and compete at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.

Reigning champions Ivory Coast will set up camp in Marrakech, benefiting from the city’s modern facilities and playing at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Nigeria, meanwhile, has chosen Fez, a city blending historical charm with cutting-edge sports infrastructure, where the Super Eagles will play their matches at the Fez Sports Complex.

Rabat, the capital, will host several prominent teams, including Algeria, Tunisia, and DR Congo.

Algeria and Tunisia will play their matches in Rabat, while DR Congo will split their games between Tangier and Rabat.

The initiative ensures a balanced distribution of teams across Morocco’s host cities, with Casablanca accommodating Zambia, Comoros, Mali, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.

Agadir will also welcome Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, while Marrakech will host Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe alongside Ivory Coast.

This innovative approach not only enhances the tournament’s organization but also underscores Morocco’s commitment to elevating African football.

By providing world-class facilities and a structured environment, the base camp system aims to create an unforgettable experience for players, staff, and fans alike.

As the countdown to AFCON 2025 begins, the introduction of base camps represents a significant step forward in the evolution of African football tournaments, setting a benchmark for future competitions.