The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the group stage draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Three-time champions Nigeria find themselves in a challenging Group C, alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. This group presents a fascinating blend of experience and emerging talent, promising a highly competitive battle for qualification to the knockout stages. Nigeria, with their rich AFCON history, will enter as the group favorites, aiming to add to their impressive tally of three titles. Tunisia, the 2004 champions, pose a significant threat, having previously eliminated Nigeria from the 2021 tournament in Cameroon. Uganda and Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage and gain valuable experience ahead of their hosting duties.
Nigeria’s AFCON pedigree is undeniable. They boast a remarkable record of 20 previous appearances, highlighted by three titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Their consistent presence in the latter stages of the tournament is reflected in five runner-up finishes and eight bronze medals. Coming off a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the 2023 final, the Super Eagles will be determined to reclaim the continental crown. Tunisia, having won the AFCON once on home soil in 2004, will be a formidable opponent. Their recent victory over Nigeria in the 2021 tournament will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to their encounters. Uganda and Tanzania, while less experienced on the AFCON stage, will be motivated to prove their worth and disrupt the established order. Their co-hosting of the 2027 tournament adds another dimension to their participation, offering them a platform to showcase their footballing progress.
The remaining groups also promise exciting contests. Hosts Morocco, placed in Group A, face Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Seven-time champions Egypt headline Group B, alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Group D features Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan comprise Group E. Defending champions Ivory Coast, fresh off their triumph in 2023, find themselves in Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Each group presents its own unique dynamics and narratives, guaranteeing a captivating spectacle for football fans across Africa and beyond.
The 2025 AFCON will be staged across six Moroccan cities, utilizing nine stadiums to accommodate the expanded 24-team format. Rabat, the capital city, boasts four stadiums: Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (69,500 capacity), Stade Al Barid (18,000 capacity), Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (21,000 capacity), and Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay EL Hassan (22,000 capacity). Casablanca will host matches at the Complexe Sportif Mohammed V (45,000 capacity), while Agadir and Marrakech each offer grand stadiums with seating capacities of 41,144 and 41,245, respectively. Fes will host matches at the Complexe Sportif de Fès (35,468 capacity), and Tangier boasts the largest stadium in the tournament, the Grand Stade de Tanger, with a capacity of 75,000. These modern and well-equipped venues will provide a fitting backdrop for Africa’s premier football competition.
The selection of these cities and stadiums reflects Morocco’s commitment to hosting a world-class tournament. The diverse locations will allow fans across the country to experience the excitement of the AFCON firsthand. The stadiums, ranging in capacity from 18,000 to 75,000, will cater to a wide range of audiences, ensuring a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere throughout the tournament. The combination of modern facilities, passionate fans, and a rich footballing culture promises to make the 2025 AFCON a truly memorable event.
The stage is set for a thrilling showcase of African football talent. With established powerhouses, emerging contenders, and the backdrop of Morocco’s vibrant footballing landscape, the 2025 AFCON is poised to be a captivating spectacle. The group stage draw has laid the foundation for a series of intriguing battles, with each match carrying significant weight in the quest for continental glory. As the countdown to the tournament begins, anticipation builds for a festival of football that will unite fans across Africa and beyond.
