The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially begins today, Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Morocco—the first time the North African nation has hosted the continental spectacle since 1988.
This marks a landmark moment, as the tournament shifts to a winter schedule for the first time, overlapping with the Christmas and New Year period, promising a unique global spotlight on African football.
In a major boost announced by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe just before the tournament, the winner will receive a record USD 10 million—a 43% increase from the USD 7 million awarded in 2023. This marks a doubling from the USD 5 million in 2021.
– Runner-up: USD 4 million
– Semi-finalists (each): USD 2.5 million
Further rewards are distributed for earlier stages, ensuring all participating teams benefit financially as part of CAF’s efforts to develop football across the continent.
The action gets underway at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with host nation Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time in Morocco), following a spectacular opening ceremony expected to showcase Moroccan culture and continental unity.
All 24 qualified teams have submitted their final squads, with coaches finalized and preparations complete. The field is brimming with superstar talent, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), and Sadio Mané (Senegal), setting the stage for thrilling encounters.
– Group A (Hosts): Morocco, Comoros, Mali, Zambia
– Group B: Egypt, Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe
– Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
– Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
– Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
– Group F: Côte d’Ivoire (Defending Champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
The group stage runs until December 31, 2025. Top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16, plus the four best third-placed teams. Knockouts begin January 3, 2026, with the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18.
Top Contenders and Key Storylines
Morocco enter as clear favourites, buoyed by their sensational semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Led by talismans Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, the Atlas Lions are determined to leverage home advantage.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire aim for a fourth title, which would draw them level with Ghana and close in on Egypt’s record of seven triumphs. Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history, rely heavily on Mohamed Salah in their pursuit of an eighth crown.
Senegal and Nigeria boast formidable attacking firepower with Sadio Mané and Victor Osimhen respectively, while traditional powerhouses Algeria and Cameroon bring tactical depth and experience.
Coaches to Watch
– Walid Regragui (Morocco): The architect of Morocco’s World Cup heroics, now under pressure to deliver on home soil.
– Hossam Hassan (Egypt): A legendary former striker guiding the Pharaohs, with Salah as his centerpiece.
– Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire): The young coach who masterminded their 2023 victory, seeking back-to-back success.
– Vladimir Petković (Algeria): A seasoned European tactician bringing sophistication to the Desert Foxes.
Star Players in the Spotlight
– Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Africa’s premier talent, eager to end his international trophy drought despite recent club form dips.
– Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The dynamic full-back, pivotal in both defense and attack for the hosts.
– Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): One of Europe’s top strikers, poised to terrorize defenses.
– Sadio Mané (Senegal): The experienced leader driving the Lions of Teranga’s title defense bid.
Emerging talents like Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) and Lyle Foster (South Africa) could steal the show as breakout stars.
Five Major Storylines to Follow
1. Morocco’s Home Quest: Can the Atlas Lions end a 49-year AFCON drought (last winners in 1976) amid sky-high expectations?
2. **Côte d’Ivoire’s Defense**: Will the Elephants join Africa’s elite with consecutive titles?
3. Egypt and Salah’s Legacy: Pressure mounts on the Pharaohs and their captain for record-extending glory.
4. Firepower Clash: Nigeria’s Osimhen versus Senegal’s Mané—who will dominate the goal charts?
5. Festive Timing: The inaugural Christmas-New Year AFCON brings unprecedented global attention and a holiday football festival.
Potential Risks and Challenges
Many players arrive fatigued from demanding European club schedules, with limited preparation time due to the late release date. Winter weather in Morocco—cooler and potentially rainy—could influence playing styles and logistics.
The hosts face immense pressure following their World Cup exploits, while injury concerns linger for key figures like Salah and Osimhen.
In summary, AFCON 2025 in Morocco promises to be historic: a blend of superstar lineups, fierce rivalries, and unpredictable drama. Morocco, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal emerge as frontrunners, but in Africa’s most chaotic and captivating tournament, upsets are always on the cards.