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Morocco Gears Up for AFCON 2025: Six Stadiums Nominated to Host the Tournament

Morocco Gears Up for AFCON 2025: Six Stadiums Nominated to Host the Tournament
Friday 11 - 12:20
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As the excitement builds for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to commence on December 21, 2025, Morocco is once again in the spotlight as the host nation. With its impressive track record of organizing major international tournaments, the North African country is poised to deliver an AFCON that could redefine standards in African football.

This will mark Morocco's second time hosting the continent’s premier football competition, the first being in 1988. While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has yet to finalize the venues, several iconic stadiums have been nominated to take center stage. These include the renowned Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, known for hosting the 1988 AFCON final, the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, the Marrakech Stadium, and the Fez Stadium. Notably, many of these venues are undergoing expansions to enhance their capacity and accommodate even more passionate fans.

Morocco’s selection as the host for AFCON 2025 aligns with its rich history of successfully organizing major football events. Recent tournaments such as the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023 have showcased Morocco’s ability to deliver world-class events. This robust experience, combined with a fervent football culture, sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most memorable editions of AFCON.

As the host nation, Morocco automatically qualifies for the tournament, while the remaining 23 spots will be filled through a competitive qualifying process. The qualifiers will involve 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group earning their place in the tournament. Intense competition is expected, with traditional powerhouses such as Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a spot.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his confidence in Morocco’s ability to host a successful tournament. "I am confident that the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition," he stated on June 21. In addition, he announced that Morocco will also host the WAFCON in 2024, with the opening match scheduled for July 5, 2025, and the final on July 26, 2025.

As preparations for Morocco 2025 unfold, anticipation continues to mount for a spectacular celebration of African football. With state-of-the-art facilities, a passionate fan base, and a proven ability to host major tournaments, Morocco is well-positioned to set new benchmarks for the Africa Cup of Nations, promising an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.


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