The much-anticipated draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 will take place tonight at 7:00 p.m. local time at the Mohammed V National Theater in Rabat.
The event will determine the group-stage matchups for the 24 teams participating in the tournament, scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, and conclude with the final on January 18, 2026.
The draw will divide the teams into six groups of four. Following the group stage, the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16.
The ceremony, broadcast to over 90 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, will be graced by African football legends including Egypt’s Essam El Hadary, Cameroon’s Patrick Mboma, Tunisia’s Aymen Mathlouthi, and Ivory Coast’s Gervinho.
CAF has promised a memorable evening, blending sport and culture to highlight Moroccan heritage.
“This celebration will reflect the uniqueness of Moroccan culture and the excellence of the organization of this 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” stated the governing body.
This marks the second time Morocco will host the AFCON, following its debut as host in 1988 when only eight teams participated.
The 2025 edition represents a significant expansion with 24 teams competing. Morocco was officially selected as the host nation on September 27, 2023, and has since embarked on extensive renovations of its football infrastructure.
Venues such as Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium, Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, and the grand stadiums in Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez have been revamped to meet global standards.
Morocco has established itself as a hub for major international and continental sporting events in recent years, hosting tournaments like the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Atlas Lions, fresh off their historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they finished fourth, will enter the tournament with heightened expectations.
The national team is eager to secure their second AFCON title, having last won the tournament in 1976.
As the Kingdom prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, AFCON 2025 serves as a precursor to Morocco’s ambitions on the global stage.
The draw will be broadcast live on Arryadia TNT/HD, CAF’s official website, and its YouTube channel, offering fans worldwide a glimpse of the road to continental glory.
