AFCON 2025: What fans need to know ahead of Morocco kick-off

The countdown is almost over as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway in Morocco, with the continent’s biggest football festival scheduled to run from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

Morocco will host the tournament for the second time in its history, welcoming 24 national teams competing across six host cities in what promises to be one of the most ambitious editions of the competition.

Morocco headline Group A

Tournament hosts Morocco will spearhead Group A, where they face Mali, Zambia and Comoros in the opening phase. The Atlas Lions will also play the curtain-raiser of the competition on home soil.

African heavyweights including Egypt (record seven-time champions), Nigeria (three titles), Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal, and defending champions Ivory Coast are all expected to be in contention as the knockout rounds approach.

Host cities and stadiums

Matches will be staged across nine stadiums in six cities:

Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex (69,500 seats), Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Olympic Annex Stadium, Al Barid Stadium

Casablanca: Mohammed V Sports Complex (67,000 seats)

Tangier: Grand Stade de Tanger (75,600 seats – the largest stadium at the tournament)

Marrakech: Grand Stade de Marrakech (45,000 seats)

Agadir: Grand Stade d’Agadir (45,000 seats)

Fez: Fez Sports Complex (45,000 seats)

The opening match and final will both take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, while other venues will host group games and knockout fixtures, including the round of 16 and quarter-finals.

Fan Parks across the country

To enhance the tournament atmosphere, CAF has confirmed eight official Fan Parks across Morocco. Entry will be granted to holders of a valid FAN ID, with live match screenings, concerts, food courts and entertainment zones available.

Fan Park locations include Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Fez, Marrakech and Tangier.

Team base camps

For the first time in AFCON history, all participating teams will remain in a single base camp throughout the tournament, combining five-star accommodation and nearby training facilities.

Notable allocations include:

Rabat: Morocco, Algeria, DR Congo, Tunisia

Casablanca: Mali, Zambia, Comoros

Agadir/Taghazout: Egypt, Cameroon

Marrakech: Ivory Coast, South Africa

Fez: Nigeria

Tangier: Senegal

Tickets and stadium access

CAF has made the FAN ID mandatory for stadium access. The ID can only be obtained through the Yalla app, while match tickets are available exclusively via CAF’s official ticketing platform. Hospitality packages offering premium seating and catering are also on sale.

With modern infrastructure, vibrant fan zones and a packed football calendar, AFCON 2025 in Morocco is set to deliver not just elite football, but a nationwide celebration of African culture and sport.