The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicks off in Morocco, promising a month-long celebration of African football.

The opening match will see host nation Morocco take on Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

This edition marks the 35th anniversary of the tournament, which will run until January 18, 2026, across nine venues in six cities.

A total of 24 teams will compete in 52 matches, each hoping to lift the coveted trophy. Morocco, returning as hosts after Guinea was stripped of the event due to a lack of readiness, is keen to make the tournament a showcase of its footballing credentials.

Ivory Coast enters as the defending champions, aiming to retain the title and continue its strong AFCON legacy.

For East Africa, the spotlight will be on Uganda and Tanzania. Both teams have quietly improved their game in recent years, earning qualification while regional rivals, including Kenya, failed to qualify.

CAF on tournament

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has insisted that the tournament will go ahead without disruption, despite protests from Moroccan youth groups over public spending.

 “This should be a turning point. If it is not, 2027 will expose us. Hosting means nothing if your team isn’t competitive,” Motsepe said.

The 2025 tournament has also seen a shift in African football’s long-term planning. After the 2027 AFCON in East Africa, the competition will move to a four-year cycle from 2028, aligning more closely with global football schedules.

Meanwhile, CAF plans to introduce an African Nations League from 2029, which will take place annually. Motsepe said the changes aim to better synchronise the African football calendar with international competitions, ensuring players and clubs can manage commitments more effectively.

Off the pitch, CAF has made several commercial announcements. The tournament mascot, ASSAD the Barbary lion, has become a symbol of pride for Moroccan fans.

The official match ball, the Puma-designed ITRI, will feature in all matches. CAF has also increased the prize money for the winners from about Ksh903 million to Ksh1.29 billion, a significant boost reflecting the tournament’s growing commercial clout.

The tournament comes at a time when African football is under pressure to balance tradition with modern demands. Historically held every two years, AFCON has often conflicted with European club schedules, prompting debates over timing and format.

The 2025 edition, moved from its traditional June-July slot to avoid clashing with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, is a clear attempt to reduce such conflicts.

On the sporting front, expectations are high. Morocco, backed by home support, will hope to go far, while teams like Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, and Ghana are eager to assert dominance.

On the other hand, Uganda and Tanzania will aim to make history, proving that smaller footballing nations can challenge the traditional powerhouses. For the Ivory Coast, the challenge is to defend its crown against a field that has never been more competitive.