The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has officially begun with the unveiling of the tournament’s group stage draw. Anticipation is high as the continent’s top teams discovered their paths to potential glory, headlined by hosts Morocco and defending champions Ivory Coast. The Atlas Lions, still riding the wave of their historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, will aim to translate that success to the African stage on home soil.
Morocco’s Moment to Shine
As hosts, Morocco find themselves in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. The Moroccans will be determined to improve upon their surprising round of 16 exit at the last AFCON and give their passionate fans a tournament to remember. With the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En-Nesyri leading the charge, the Atlas Lions have the talent to go far.
We have a great opportunity to make history and bring joy to our nation. Playing at home in front of our fans will give us extra motivation to perform at our highest level.
– Morocco coach Walid Regragui
Ivory Coast’s Title Defense
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast will begin their title defense in a tricky Group F that includes Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. The Elephants, led by Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, possess the firepower to mount a strong defense of their crown but will need to be wary of the upset potential in their group.
- Cameroon, runners-up in 2021, will be out for redemption
- Gabon boast Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack
Other Notable Groups and Storylines
Elsewhere, Egypt will face South Africa in a mouthwatering Group B clash, with Mohamed Salah still chasing an elusive AFCON title at age 33. Nigeria, runners-up in 2024, find themselves in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, while Senegal, champions in 2021, headline Group D with Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
Algeria appear to have the most favorable draw of the top seeds in Group E, where they will take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. The Desert Foxes, who suffered a shocking group stage exit as defending champions in 2024, will be keen to reassert their dominance.
Expanded Format and Host Cities
The 2025 AFCON will feature an expanded 24 teams and take place across six Moroccan cities: Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier. With the top two finishers in each group plus the four best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16, the margin for error is slim in the tournament’s new format.
| Host Cities | Stadium Capacity |
| Rabat | 45,000 |
| Casablanca | 67,000 |
| Tangier | 45,000 |
| Fez | 30,000 |
| Marrakesh | 40,000 |
| Agadir | 45,000 |
The earlier mid-December start also means the tournament will conclude in time for players to return to their European clubs ahead of the resumption of the Champions League in late January. It sets the stage for an action-packed 2026, with the expanded 48-team World Cup following shortly after in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As the road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins, the excitement is palpable. Will Morocco ride the wave of home support to a long-awaited title? Can Ivory Coast become the first back-to-back champions since Egypt in 2006-2008? Or will one of the other contenders emerge victorious? One thing is certain: with Africa’s stars on display, the tournament promises to be a captivating spectacle filled with passion, skill, and drama. Let the games begin.
