The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed its full trust in Morocco’s ability to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.
In a statement made on Tuesday, the organization pointed to Morocco’s strong track record in hosting some of the continent’s major football events.
CAF said Morocco was not a surprise choice as host, referring to their past hosting of the 2018 African Nations Championship, the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
Morocco hosted its first AFCON in 1988, a tournament in which only eight countries participated.
With 24 nations participating in 2025, the event reflects the strides African football has made over three decades.
Morocco will have several world-class facilities to host the tournament. The soon-to-be-announced official venues may include the Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, and major stadiums in Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez.
Many of these venues are being renovated to meet and exceed competition standards.
CAF commends Morocco’s modern infrastructure, enthusiastic football fans, and proven experience in hosting major sporting events. This is what CAF believes will make Morocco a good candidate for organizing an AFCON that sets a new standard.
The competition is to be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The tournament’s group stage draw is scheduled for next Monday at 7 p.m at Mohammed V Theatre.
Morocco, as the host nation, qualified automatically, while 23 other teams earned their places through qualifying rounds held between September and November 2024.
The lineup includes strong teams such as Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria. Other nations, like Ghana and Guinea, failed to qualify.