THE ancient medinas of Morocco are stirring with new energy as the nation prepares to host Africa’s greatest football spectacle. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises to transform Morocco’s December festive season into an unprecedented celebration of sport and culture, where the rhythmic beats of Gnawa music will blend with the roars of passionate fans.
In Rabat’s historic streets, where modern architecture meets timeless tradition, hosts Morocco will launch their campaign against the Comoros Islands on December 21. The majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca will stand witness to epic battles, its towering minaret overlooking a city pulsing with football fever.
Defending champions Ivory Coast begin their title defence in Marrakech, where the famous Jemaa el-Fna square will transform into a carnival of colours. Here, where snake charmers and storytellers have entertained for centuries, new football tales will be written as Les Éléphants face Mozambique on Christmas Eve.
The tournament’s scope extends beyond the pitch. In the evenings, visitors will find refuge in traditional riads, savouring aromatic tagines and couscous. The Atlas Mountains will provide a dramatic backdrop to the matches in northern venues, while the edge of the Sahara Desert will offer teams and fans alike a taste of Morocco’s natural majesty.
The draw has scattered Africa’s football giants across six groups, each venue promising its own unique flavour. From Egypt’s record-holding Pharaohs rekindling their rivalry with South Africa in Group B, to Nigeria’s Super Eagles soaring in Group C, every match will add another layer to this rich tapestry of African football.
As winter descends on the kingdom, the warmth of Moroccan hospitality will embrace visitors from across the continent. From December 21 to January 18, this tournament will showcase not just Africa’s football excellence, but Morocco’s unique ability to blend centuries-old tradition with the beautiful game’s modern spectacle.
The stage is set for a tournament where every header, tackle, and goal will echo through ancient walls and modern stadiums alike, creating memories that will last long after the final whistle blows in this unprecedented celebration of African football.
The tournament is being held in six Moroccan cities from Dec. 21-Jan. 18, 2026.
THE FULL DRAW:
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Can December come already?
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2025
Here's what the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 groups look like after the Final Draw! ?? pic.twitter.com/QYQsAIu1e4
