Home of football statistics and historyThe countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is well underway as the continent’s most prestigious international tournament returns to Morocco after almost four decades.
With qualifying completed in November and the 24 participating teams confirmed, here’s an in-depth guide to what fans can look forward to in the 35th edition of this iconic event.
Worldwide attention
According to ExpressVPN’s research, the 2024 AFCON edition, hosted in the Ivory Coast, achieved a remarkable milestone.
Indeed, the tournament amassed a global cumulative audience of over 1.4 billion viewers, becoming one of the most-watched installments in history.
An incredible surge in viewership culminated in the mouth-watering semi-final showdown between Nigeria and South Africa, as 10.3 million viewers set a new record for the competition.
On top of that, the 2024 AFCON caused a social media frenzy, generating 2.1 billion digital engagements.
TikTok videos related to the tournament garnered 3.1 billion views, while Instagram content reached an eye-catching 12.5 million views.
Hosts
Morocco last hosted the competition in 1988. However, only eight participants are a far cry from the 24 that will compete for continental glory later this year.
The tournament will kick off on December 21 and run until January 18, 2026, marking the first-ever edition held during the Christmas and New Year period.
After 37 years, the competition returns to Morocco as the Atlas Lions seek only their second-ever AFCON title following their iconic triumph in 1976.
Walid Regragui’s men have earned automatic qualification as the host nation.
Morocco will aim to build on their remarkable 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Controversy
Last year’s edition brimmed with controversy, and there’s a feeling there’s more to come toward the end of the year because Afcon 2025 falls outside previously agreed FIFA windows for internationals.
Famous media outlet Daily Mail recently took stock of Manchester United’s poor decision to bid farewell to David de Gea in favour of Andre Onana, who made a mess last year.
After showing up late for Cameroon’s tournament opener to fulfil his duties at Old Trafford, the Indomitable Lions goalkeeper was benched despite his household status.
But one of the most embarrassing moments took place in 2021.
Referee Janny Sikazwe blew the final whistle in the 85th minute of Tunisia’s group-stage match against Mali.
The bizarre incident quickly went viral on social media, turning the referee into an unexpected online sensation for all the wrong reasons.
In contrast, the growing use of technology plays an increasingly important role in football, aiming to prevent such incidents.
Meet favourites
Reigning champions Ivory Coast will be out to win back-to-back titles for the first time in the nation’s history and give their fans more reason to enjoy the game they love.
However, since Egypt’s famous hat-trick between 2006 and 2008, no country has defended the AFCON title, making this tournament one of the most unpredictable events in world football.
Keen to take advantage of playing on home turf, as the Ivorians did last year, Morocco enter the competition as one of the leading candidates to claim the trophy.
Walid Regragui’s men enjoyed a dominant qualifying campaign, boasting a 100% record and an intimidating +24 goal difference.
Runners-up Nigeria will look to go one better, while it’s impossible to discount Senegal and Egypt as potential winners.
Elite stars
Nigeria’s lofty ambitions will likely rest on Victor Osimhen’s shoulders amid talks he could join Man Utd on a cut-price deal from Napoli.
Meanwhile, Egypt will put their fate in the hands of Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah.
This time, though, the 32-year-old won’t have to do it all by himself.
Omar Marmoush, who signed for Manchester City on Thursday, will be one of the most exciting players to watch in Morocco.
Elsewhere, Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz will lead Morocco’s title charge.
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