RABAT, Morocco – The countdown to Africa’s most prestigious football competition has officially begun, with organisers of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 unveiling giant countdown clocks across all six host cities to mark exactly 100 days until kick-off.
The striking timepieces, installed in Rabat, Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir, serve as daily reminders that the continent’s premier football festival is rapidly approaching. Each clock is ticking down to the highly anticipated opening match on 21 December at 20:00 local time, when hosts Morocco will face Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The tournament marks Morocco’s return as AFCON hosts for the first time since 1988, with the Kingdom promising a world-class experience that will showcase the nation’s renowned hospitality alongside Africa’s electric football atmosphere. The 35th edition of the competition will culminate with the final on 18 January 2026, also staged in Rabat.
Comprehensive Ticketing Strategy Unveiled
Coinciding with the countdown launch, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have announced detailed ticket sales processes and fan experience initiatives designed to make Morocco 2025 the most accessible and connected AFCON in history.
Ticket sales will commence on 25 September 2025 through the official portal at https://tickets.cafonline.com/en/, with fans able to register for notifications from 12 September to 24 September. The sales strategy employs a three-phase approach designed to ensure fair access while managing demand across the tournament’s matches.
Visa, serving as CAF’s official partner and global leader in digital payments, will receive exclusive access during a two-day pre-sale window. Visa cardholders will gain first access to tickets from 12:00 Moroccan time on 25 September through 27 September, before general public sales open at 14:00 on 27 September.
Phased Release Strategy
The ticketing structure follows a carefully planned release schedule:
First Phase runs from 25 September (12:00 Morocco time) to 27 September (12:00), beginning with the exclusive Visa pre-sale before opening to the general public at 14:00 on 27 September. This phase will release tickets for 30% of each stadium’s capacity.
Second Phase mirrors the first phase timing from 21 October to 23 October, with another two-day Visa exclusive window followed by general sales, releasing an additional 30% of capacity.
Third Phase launches on 21 November, making all remaining tickets available to the general public across all payment methods.
Revolutionary Fan Experience Technology
Perhaps the tournament’s most significant innovation is the introduction of the Yalla App, launching simultaneously with ticket sales on 25 September. This comprehensive platform will serve as the primary gateway for all supporters attending the tournament.
Every ticket holder must register for a Fan ID through the Yalla app, which will enable seamless access to stadiums and designated fan zones throughout Morocco. The app introduces several groundbreaking features, including an E-Visa system specifically designed for AFCON, allowing international supporters to apply for entry visas digitally.
Beyond logistical functions, the Yalla app promises real-time tournament updates, personalised content based on user preferences, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, positioning Morocco 2025 as the most technologically connected Africa Cup of Nations to date.
Enhanced Travel Infrastructure
Royal Air Maroc, serving as the tournament’s Official Global Partner and Airline, is implementing substantial capacity increases to accommodate the expected influx of international visitors. The carrier is adding over 660 additional flights, representing a capacity increase exceeding 50%.
The airline is developing special travel packages targeting the African diaspora, particularly those connecting through Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. These packages will transform typical stopovers into opportunities to attend AFCON matches, potentially expanding the tournament’s reach to supporters who might not otherwise travel specifically for the competition.
Premium Hospitality Offerings
CAF has scheduled the announcement of a new hospitality partner for Monday, 15 September, indicating plans for premium tournament experiences beyond standard ticketing. These hospitality packages are expected to cater to corporate clients and affluent supporters seeking enhanced access and amenities.
Historical Significance and Future Implications
Morocco’s hosting of AFCON 2025 carries particular significance as the Kingdom prepares for its role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The tournament serves as both a celebration of African football and a proving ground for Morocco’s infrastructure and organisational capabilities on the global stage.
The six host cities each bring unique characteristics to the tournament. Rabat, as the capital and venue for both opening and final matches, will serve as the competition’s epicentre. Casablanca, Morocco’s economic hub and largest city, offers the largest stadium capacity and the most extensive accommodation options.
Fès brings UNESCO World Heritage status and traditional Moroccan culture, while Tangier’s proximity to Europe makes it accessible to the large Moroccan diaspora in European countries. Marrakech offers its status as a global tourist destination, and Agadir provides modern resort infrastructure along Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Tournament Format and Expectations
The 35th edition of AFCON will follow the established 24-team format introduced in 2019, with teams competing across group stages before advancing to knockout rounds. Morocco enters as hosts and among the tournament favourites, having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament coincides with the European winter break, ensuring maximum availability of star players who compete in Europe’s top leagues. This timing has historically produced higher quality football and greater global television audiences.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Morocco’s government views AFCON 2025 as a catalyst for broader economic development and international profile enhancement. The tournament is expected to generate significant tourism revenue, with hundreds of thousands of visitors anticipated across the six host cities.
Beyond economic considerations, the competition represents an opportunity to showcase Moroccan culture, hospitality, and infrastructure development to a global audience estimated in the hundreds of millions of television viewers worldwide.
The giant countdown clocks now ticking across Morocco’s cities serve as physical manifestations of mounting anticipation for what organisers promise will be a landmark edition of Africa’s premier football competition. With comprehensive digital innovation, enhanced travel infrastructure, and the backdrop of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is positioned to set new standards for continental football tournaments.
As the clocks continue their countdown, Morocco prepares to welcome Africa’s finest footballers and their supporters for a month-long celebration that will determine the continent’s new champion while serving as a preview of the Kingdom’s readiness for even greater football occasions ahead.
