Africa Cup of Nations games are the premier international football matches in Africa, with the next major tournament, AFCON 2025, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This 35th edition marks a historic shift as the first tournament to be held during the Christmas and New Year period, avoiding conflicts with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The competition features 24 national teams competing across 52 matches in six Moroccan host cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. Following this, the 2027 edition will be a landmark “Pamoja” co-hosted event by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, signifying a major expansion of football infrastructure across East Africa.
AFCON 2025 Tournament Schedule
The 2025 games in Morocco follow a rigorous four-week schedule designed to showcase the best of African talent during the winter holidays.
Group Stage Fixtures
The opening match features hosts Morocco against Comoros on December 21, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Group stage matches will run daily until December 31, with four matches per day across different venues to determine the top two teams from each of the six groups.
Knockout Round Dates
The Round of 16 begins on January 3, 2026, transitioning the tournament into a high-stakes single-elimination format. Quarter-finals are set for January 9–10, followed by semi-finals on January 14, leading up to the final on January 18 in Rabat.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Morocco is utilizing nine stadiums across six cities, providing a diverse geographical spread for fans and teams alike.
Rabat and Casablanca
Rabat serves as the tournament hub, with the 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium hosting the opening and closing ceremonies. Casablanca’s iconic Stade Mohammed V remains a cornerstone venue, hosting high-profile group games and a quarter-final.
Tangier and Agadir
The Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, the tournament’s largest with 75,000 seats, will host a semi-final match. Agadir’s Adrar Stadium provides a coastal backdrop for Group B and Group F fixtures, including matches featuring Egypt and Cameroon.
The Pamoja 2027 Expansion
The 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will move to East Africa for a historic three-nation co-hosting event.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania
Branded as the “Pamoja” (Swahili for “Together”) bid, these games will take place between June 19 and July 18, 2027. This marks the first time AFCON will be hosted in the CECAFA region in over fifty years, since Ethiopia in 1976.
Infrastructure and Venues
Major renovations are underway at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium and Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium to meet CAF standards. New facilities, such as the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha, are being built specifically to accommodate the influx of international fans.
Most Successful AFCON Nations
The history of Africa Cup of Nations games is dominated by a few “powerhouse” nations that have consistently reached the podium.
Egypt: The Record Holders
Egypt is the most successful nation in AFCON history, having secured seven titles, including a legendary “three-peat” between 2006 and 2010. The Pharaohs have appeared in more finals (10) and won more total matches than any other African side.
Cameroon and Ghana
Cameroon follows closely with five titles, known for their “Indomitable Lions” spirit in knockout stages. Ghana holds four titles, though they have experienced a long championship drought since their last victory in 1982.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending Africa Cup of Nations games requires early digital preparation, particularly for the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Tickets and Fan ID
All tickets for AFCON 2025 are digital and must be purchased through the official CAF ticketing portal. Fans are required to register for a “Fan ID” via the Yalla App, which serves as a mandatory entry permit for all nine stadiums.
Costs and Travel
Ticket Prices: Group stage tickets start at 100 MAD (~$11), while Category 1 final tickets reach 900 MAD (~$97).
Accommodation: Expect peak holiday pricing in December; budget hotels in Rabat start around $60 per night.
Transport: Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca, making inter-city travel efficient for fans.
Evolution of the Tournament Format
The Africa Cup of Nations has grown from a three-team event in 1957 to a massive 24-team global spectacle.
Quadrennial Cycle Change
CAF recently announced that following the 2028 edition, AFCON will move from a biennial (every two years) to a quadrennial (every four years) cycle. This change aims to reduce player fatigue and better align with the global football calendar.
African Nations League
To maintain competitive momentum and revenue between the four-year AFCON gaps, CAF plans to introduce an annual African Nations League. This new tournament will provide consistent high-level games for mid-tier nations during international breaks.
FAQs
When is the AFCON 2025 final?
The final match of the 2025 tournament will be played on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Which country has won the most AFCON titles?
Egypt holds the record with seven titles (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010).
How many teams qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations?
Currently, 24 national teams qualify for the final tournament after a rigorous group-stage qualification process involving 52 nations.
Where will AFCON 2027 be held?
The 2027 games will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” joint bid.
Who is the defending champion of AFCON?
Morocco is the reigning champion (as of 2025) after a successful appeal regarding the previous final outcome.
How much do AFCON 2025 tickets cost?
Prices range from 100 MAD ($11) for standard group stage seats to 900 MAD ($97) for premium seats at the final.
What is the Yalla App for AFCON?
The Yalla App is the official mobile platform used to generate the mandatory Fan ID and access digital tickets for the Morocco 2025 games.
Why was AFCON 2025 moved to December?
The dates were shifted to avoid a schedule clash with the FIFA Club World Cup being held in the summer of 2025.
Is there a third-place play-off in AFCON?
Yes, a bronze medal match is traditionally held the day before the final to determine the third-place finisher.
What is the prize money for the AFCON winner?
The winner of the 2025 edition in Morocco is set to receive $10 million, an increase from previous tournaments.
Can I buy physical tickets at the stadium?
No, all tickets are strictly digital and must be obtained in advance through the official CAF ticketing website.
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