The countdown has begun for the biggest football competition in Africa. In less than 100 days, the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will kick off in Morocco, with 24 teams competing in 52 matches across nine stadiums.

The opening match will take place on 21 December at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, which will also host the grand final on 18 January.

This marks the first time in 37 years that Morocco will host the AFCON, following a series of successful CAF events organized in recent years.

Ivory Coast, the defending champions, will compete as strong favorites, while Egypt, the most decorated nation with seven titles, will be chasing an unprecedented eighth crown.

In total, 12 out of the 24 participating teams are past champions, underscoring the prestige and level of competition the tournament promises.

Tournament Format

AFCON Morocco 2025 will maintain the 24-team format: six groups of four teams, making up 36 group-stage matches before moving to the knockout rounds.

The drama will continue with the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final, delivering nearly daily football excitement over four weeks.

Matches will be staged across nine modern stadiums, with Rabat’s main venue serving as the centerpiece.

Stars and Challenges

Fans can expect a glittering lineup of stars, with top players from Europe’s elite leagues set to feature alongside emerging talents eager to use the continental stage as a springboard to global recognition.

The tournament’s all-time top scorer, Samuel Eto’o (18 goals), still holds a record that will be difficult to match in a single edition—though current stars may dream of getting closer.