Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025: AFCON Kickoff, Stadiums, and Global Excitement

Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco 2025

 Morocco is ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations, Africa’s biggest and most prestigious football tournament, as millions of fans across the continent and around the world turn their attention to the Kingdom. With world-class stadiums, modern infrastructure, and proven experience in organizing major international events, Morocco is set to deliver an unforgettable AFCON edition filled with passion, intense rivalries, and spectacular football moments. From electrifying atmospheres inside packed stadiums to global media attention, this tournament promises to celebrate African football at its highest level.

⚽When Does the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco Start?

🏟️ Stadiums Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco?

Stadiums Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco

Morocco is gearing up to host the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025), featuring 24 national teams competing in state-of-the-art stadiums across the country. The tournament promises thrilling matches, passionate fans, and world-class facilities. Here’s a complete 

guide to the stadiums where the action will take place:

Rabat

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – ~69,500 seats

The main stadium in Rabat will host the opening ceremony and the final match, making it the centerpiece of AFCON 2025.

Stade Moulay Hassan – ~22,000 seats

Stade Al Barid – ~18,000 seats

Rabat Olympic Stadium (Annexe) – ~21,000 seats

Casablanca

Stade Mohammed V – ~45,000–67,000 seats

Morocco’s iconic stadium in Casablanca will host several group and knockout stage matches.

Agadir

Grand Stade d’Agadir – ~41,144 seats

Known for its modern facilities, this stadium will host multiple exciting matches throughout the tournament.

Marrakech

Grand Stade de Marrakech – ~41,245 seats

Marrakech’s top stadium combines capacity and advanced amenities to deliver unforgettable football experiences.

Fès

Complexe Sportif de Fès – ~35,468 seats

This stadium will host group stage and early knockout matches, providing a vibrant atmosphere for fans.

Tangier

Grand Stade de Tanger – ~75,600 seats

The largest stadium in northern Morocco, it will feature high-profile matches and key knockout stage games.

Highlights for Fans and Visitors:

• All stadiums are equipped with modern facilities, VIP areas, and media zones to ensure a top-tier experience.

• Morocco’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will be the hub of the tournament, hosting the opening and closing matches.

• Fans can expect electrifying atmospheres, intense rivalries, and continental football at its finest across all venues.

🌇 Cities Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco

Cities Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025) will take place across six major cities in Morocco, each offering modern stadiums and world-class facilities to host the continent’s top football teams. Here’s a complete guide to the host cities:

1. Rabat

The capital city will host the opening match and the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, making it the central hub of the tournament.

2. Casablanca

Morocco’s largest city will host several group-stage and knockout matches at the iconic Stade Mohammed V.

3. Tangier

The northern city will feature key matches in the Grand Stade de Tanger, with a capacity of ~75,600 spectators.

4. Marrakech

Famous for its tourism and vibrant culture, Marrakech will host matches at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, providing a memorable atmosphere for fans.

5. Agadir

Agadir will host both group-stage and knockout matches at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, known for its modern facilities and fan-friendly environment.

6. Fès

The historic city of Fès will host several matches at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with a capacity of ~35,468 spectators.

Highlights for Fans and Visitors:

• All cities provide modern stadiums, excellent infrastructure, and top-tier fan experiences.

• Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech will host the most high-profile matches, including the opening and final games.

• The distribution of matches ensures wide geographic coverage and accessibility for fans from across Morocco and Africa.

🏆 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – Group Stage Teams

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – Group Stage Teams

🅰️ Group A

• Morocco (Host Nation)
• Mali
• Zambia
• Comoros

This group features the host nation and competitive teams all looking to advance from the first round. �

🅱️ Group B

• Egypt
• South Africa
• Angola
• Zimbabwe

Group B includes multiple experienced sides, including former champions Egypt. �

🅲 Group C

• Nigeria
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Tanzania

This group features high-profile teams with strong football history and emerging contenders. �

🅳 Group D

• Senegal
• DR Congo
• Benin
• Botswana

Senegal and DR Congo are among the favorites here, with Botswana and Benin eager to make an impact. �

🅴 Group E

• Algeria
• Burkina Faso
• Equatorial Guinea
• Sudan

A competitive group with Algeria aiming for deep tournament progression. �

🅵 Group F

• Ivory Coast (Defending Champions)
• Cameroon
• Gabon
• Mozambique

Often seen as the “group of death,” this pool includes the reigning champions and multiple strong contenders. �

🏆 Top Contenders to Win the Africa Cup of Nations 2025

🇲🇦 1. Morocco (Hosts & Favorites)

Morocco are widely considered the top favorite to win AFCON 2025, thanks to:

• Home-field advantage and passionate local support
• Strong performances in recent major tournaments (4th place at 2022 World Cup)
• A squad featuring talented players like Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Noussair Mazraoui

Analysts and prediction models give Morocco the highest chance of lifting the trophy on home soil. �

🇪🇬 2. Egypt

Egypt are always among the leading contenders, with a rich AFCON history (record seven titles). With Mohamed Salah and other key attackers, Egypt are seen as strong challengers to go deep in the tournament. �

🇸🇳 3. Senegal

Senegal remain one of Africa’s powerhouses, boasting world-class talent (Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye, and others). They are widely ranked among the top teams with a serious chance of winning. �

🇩🇿 4. Algeria

Algeria are also highly rated in pre-tournament predictions, with a balanced squad and competitive track record in continental competitions. �

🇳🇬 5. Nigeria

Nigeria are viewed as contenders as well — especially if star striker Victor Osimhen remains productive. Their chance is slightly lower statistically, but they are not to be overlooked. �

🇨🇮 6. Ivory Coast (Defending Champions)

The reigning champions from 2023 are often mentioned among teams that could cause upsets, though some predictive models rank them slightly lower than other favourites.

📊 Prize Money for the Winner of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a historic increase in the prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, hosted in Morocco:

🏆 The champion of AFCON 2025 will receive USD 10 million. This is a 43 % increase compared to the 2023 edition, where the winner received USD 7 million. �

💰 Other Prize Money Details (Confirmed by CAF)

• 🥈 Runner-up: USD 4 million
• 🥉 Semi-finalists: USD 2.5 million each

These increases reflect CAF’s efforts to boost the financial rewards and competitive appeal of Africa’s premier football tournament.