Africa Cup of Nations 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was the 35th edition of Africa’s premier men’s international football tournament.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was the 35th edition of Africa's premier men's international football tournament. Hosted by Morocco, it ran from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, featuring 24 national teams.
What it is
AFCON 2025 was organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for men's national teams. Morocco hosted for the second time, after 1988, stepping in after Guinea lost hosting rights due to inadequate preparations. The tournament ran over the Christmas and New Year period for the first time.
Key details
The 24 teams were divided into six groups of four. The group stage ran from 21 to 31 December 2025, followed by knockout rounds. The final was played on 18 January 2026. Matches were staged across nine venues in six Moroccan cities, with the opening match — Morocco vs Comoros — at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Why it matters
AFCON is Africa's biggest football event, drawing global attention. For Canadian readers, the tournament features many players who compete in top European leagues and MLS, and it is widely broadcast on sports networks. Canada does not participate directly, but the event influences international club football and player markets.
In short
- Morocco hosted AFCON 2025 for the second time.
- Tournament ran from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
- 24 teams competed in six groups of four.
- Opening match: Morocco vs Comoros in Rabat.
Canada does not have a direct competitive role in AFCON because it is a CAF tournament, but Canadian readers may follow the event through coverage of internationally based players, club football interest, and major broadcast sports news.
Quick questions
When is Africa Cup of Nations 2025?
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Who qualified for AFCON 2025?
Sources
- CAF Online — https://www.cafonline.com/afcon2025/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-totalenergies-caf-africa-cup-of-nations-morocco-2025/Supports: Official tournament dates, host country, number of teams, venues, and opening match.
- Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/news/football-afcon-2025-draw-teams-groups-scheduleSupports: Tournament dates, host nation, opening match, groups, and schedule overview.
- BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c99949d92vroSupports: Official announcement of AFCON 2025 dates and Morocco as host.
- Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/12/19/africa-cup-of-nations-2025-what-to-know-about-the-tournamentSupports: Venues, schedule, host country, and tournament structure.
- NBC Sports — https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/africa-cup-of-nations-2025-preview-how-to-watch-live-dates-schedule-detailsSupports: 24-team format, venues, and participating teams mentioned in preview coverage.