With the breadth of talent which lies within the rich tapestry of African football, North Africa plays centre stage to AFCON 2025. This unique tournament touches a billion beating hearts, and starts 21. Dec 2025 in Morocco. Played for the first time ever in the winter months, spanning into January, rather than the summer window, the atmosphere will be electric in culture and enthusiasm.
Organized by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), the competition’s format has changed over time, with the number of teams increasing from 3 in 1957 to 24 in 2019. Growing participation also led to the introduction of qualifying rounds in 1968, the same year that CAF decided to hold the tournament biennially. First taking place in Khartoum, Sudan, where Egypt defeated the host nation.
The competition has served as a showcase for talent across African players from Ivorian striker Laurent Pokou who scored 5 goals in a win over Ethiopia in 1970 to Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, who holds the record for most goals in the Cup of Nations (18).
Players in the Spotlight
Clubs across the world are experiencing a wave of 2025 AFCON absences, with the Premier League in particular seeing 32 of its players in voyage to the African sub-continent. Sunderland will lose 6 players as the most impacted team, followed by Old Trafford, Fulham and Burnley all allowing 3 players each, to depart with up to 6 league matches missed for national service.
Mohamed Salah, has been making headlines of late, but the world awaits to see whether Egypt’s King can add to their nation’s 7-time trophy collection. 2022 will be etched in his memory forever, as the final against Senegal left him being consoled by Sadio Mané (his then team-mate), when Senegal won on penalties.
I was thinking that seventeen million Senegalese people were waiting for me, watching me. That’s a heavy burden. I couldn’t let them down. I was also wondering how I was going to beat that goalkeeper who had saved my penalty earlier. I absolutely had to redeem myself.
The Senegalese forward reflects on that moment “I was thinking that seventeen million Senegalese people were waiting for me, watching me. That’s a heavy burden. I couldn’t let them down. I was also wondering how I was going to beat that goalkeeper who had saved my penalty earlier. I absolutely had to redeem myself.’’
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye with 6 goal involvements in the Premier League is a name to keep in our minds, as the 25-year-old will hope to bring that positive influence to Senegal’s attack. The midfielder, known for his dribbling and finishing, has enjoyed a rapid ascent in recent years, moving from England’s second-tier league in 2023 to being a key contributor for the Toffees as they close in on a top-six spot in the top-flight.
Veteran players: Mozambique’s 42-year-old Dominguez could become the second-oldest player at the tournament, behind Egypt legend Essam El Hadary.
The Stage in Morocco
With 24 nations, 1 trophy and no script, Morocco hosts the AFCON for the first time since 1988. Six host cities will keep players and visitors enthralled, with Rabat (Morocco’s capital) staging over one third of the 52 matches, at the brand new Prince Mouley Abdellah Stadium with a capacity of 68,000.
The stadium was built with the imagination to look like palm leaves and took just 8 months to construct, scoring in the Guinness World Records to be the fastest stadium ever constructed.
With 24 nations, 1 trophy and no script, Morocco hosts the AFCON for the first time since 1988.
Morocco will be co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain and the Cup of Nations benefits from nine stadiums in six cities, a first for the African championship.
Females in Front
At the centre of this major undertaking is a woman leading one of the most ambitious technical and organisational challenges of recent decades: Zineb Benmoussa, Director General of the National Agency for Public Facilities (ANEP).
Entrusted with delegated project management for the 9 stadiums set to host AFCON 2025, ANEP has, in less than two years, overseen the upgrading and construction of strategic sports facilities across the Kingdom. These venues were designed to guarantee spectator and player comfort, integrating rigorous international standards while showcasing a modern and confident Moroccan architectural identity.
An engineer by training, Zineb Benmoussa’s expertise have been crucial for the host nation. From the construction of the large stadiums of Fès, Marrakech and Agadir to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, as well as numerous hospital and administrative facilities, her experience has shaped a management approach, based on anticipation, close monitoring, and strong on-site team coordination.
Morocco in the Competition
Whilst Fès is home to the oldest university in the world, there is rich history to be discovered across the Moroccan nation. Football is described there as ‘the people’s sport’. From being 18th in FIFA world rankings in about as many years ago, Morocco is now almost in the top 10, last winning in 1976.
Achraf Hakimi, the world famous right back for Paris Saint-Germain, was born in Spain and captains the Moroccan national team. In October this year, Hakimi’s Morocco broke the world record for the longest winning streak in international football, surpassing Spain’s previous mark of 15 consecutive victories.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a pivotal moment for Moroccan Football, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, beating Spain and Portugal.
Other Top Teams to Watch
Senegal: Senegal have been consistently strong in recent AFCONs, reaching late stages regularly and boasting a mix of experience and athleticism. They’re seen as real contenders for the semi-finals or better.
Egypt: are the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles and always a threat, especially with Mohamed Salah leading their attack and a balanced squad aiming to end their title drought.
Nigeria: The ‘Super Eagles’ have strong attacking talent like Victor Osimhen and after a runner-up finish in 2023, they’re expected to be among the contenders again in Morocco.
Ivory Coast: As the 2023 AFCON champions, Ivory Coast enter 2025 with confidence and experience. They’re often viewed as a team that can reach the latter stages if their key players are fit and firing.
Dark horses in the competition are Mali, Algeria and South Africa, so best to keep eyes peeled on their performances!
The Official Ball for AFCON
The official PUMA ball for the AFCON is called ‘ITRI’ (meaning star) taking its inspiration from Morocco’s traditional geometric zellij art and the star on its flag, symbolizing unity and ambition, while featuring advanced PUMA Orbita technology for superior performance, making it a fusion of rich culture and modern football tech.
Where to Watch AFCON 2025
Channel 4 in the UK has secured free-to-air rights to broadcast all 52 matches of AFCON 2025, including matches across its main channel, E4, 4Seven, streaming, and its YouTube sports channel.
Be Sure to Watch the Groups Battle It Out
- With hosts Morocco in Group A
- Egyptian Kings in Group B
- Nigerian Super Eagles and Tunisian Eagles in Group C
- Mané back for The Senegal Lions in Group D
- Desert Foxes, Algeria in Group E
- Defending Champions Côte d’Ivoire Elephants in Group F
You can read more about Morocco’s Stadium Modernisation project here.