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News

Africa: TotalEnergies Afcon 2025 in Morocco – Everything You Need to Know

todayOctober 9, 2024 5

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The countdown to the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has officially begun as the North African nation of Morocco prepares to host the continent’s premier football tournament for the second time in its history.

With the qualifiers set to start on Wednesday, here’s a comprehensive guide to what fans can expect from the 35th edition of this iconic competition.

A Return to Morocco

Morocco last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, a tournament that saw just eight teams compete, with Cameroon emerging victorious after a hard-fought final against Nigeria.

Fast forward to 2025, and the tournament has expanded significantly, with 24 teams set to compete, highlighting the growth and development of African football over the past three decades.

Morocco was confirmed as the host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that has been met with widespread enthusiasm.

The Atlas Lions, who automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to showcase their country’s readiness to host a competition of this magnitude, especially after their historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Stadiums and Host Cities

While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to officially announce the venues, several iconic stadiums are expected to play a central role in the tournament. These include:

  • Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: A likely centerpiece of the tournament, this historic venue hosted the 1988 AFCON final and is expected to be a major venue once again.
  • Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Another key venue, currently undergoing expansion to increase its capacity.
  • Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Set to host some of the tournament’s biggest matches, with an expanded capacity to accommodate more fans.
  • Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Known for its stunning location and modern facilities, also being expanded ahead of the tournament.
  • Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh: A popular venue with fans and likely to see significant action during the tournament.
  • Fez Stadium, Fez: A more traditional setting that will add to the diverse experiences offered to fans.

Qualifiers and Teams

While Morocco is the only team currently assured of a place in the tournament as the host nation, the remaining 23 spots will be decided through a rigorous qualifying process.