CAF confirms Morocco as host of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, putting an end to widespread speculation over a potential change of venue.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe made the announcement during a press conference, reiterating the organisation’s full confidence in Morocco’s ability to deliver a world-class tournament.
The competition will be staged from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, maintaining its original schedule despite recent internal developments within the North African nation.
I was asked about the situation in Morocco and CAF’s position. My answer is simple: Morocco is plan A, B, and C. There is no alternative for the next AFCON, said Motsepe, firmly dismissing rumours of relocation.
The CAF chief praised Morocco’s infrastructure and its proven record in hosting major international sporting events, emphasising that the federation will continue to collaborate closely with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the Moroccan government.
We have full confidence in Morocco’s ability to host an exceptional tournament. Together, we want to deliver the best Africa Cup of Nations in history, he added.
Motsepe also used the occasion to highlight CAF’s progress under his leadership, revealing that the organisation’s revenues have quadrupled over the past five years.
He explained that nearly $400 million has been channelled into the development of youth football and the organisation of competitions across the continent.
He further outlined new initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of players and increasing financial support for national teams, stressing that CAF’s focus extends beyond hosting tournaments to building long-term sustainability in African football.
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African football must continue to grow. Our goal is to build a stronger and more prosperous future for the sport across the continent, Motsepe concluded.
With the confirmation, Morocco now officially resumes full preparations to host Africa’s flagship football event for the first time since 1988.
The tournament is expected to showcase the country’s modern stadiums, robust infrastructure, and passion for the sport, while serving as a key milestone in CAF’s ambition to raise the global profile of African football.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be the final edition before the expanded 2029 format, and Motsepe’s assurance effectively ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding one of the continent’s most anticipated sporting events.
