When and where is the next AFCON? Year, host cities for Africa Cup of Nations 2025
When and where is the next AFCON? Year, host cities for Africa Cup of Nations 2025
In the wake of the gripping 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter set to unfold in 2025. The tournament, a captivating spectacle, drew to a close on February 10, 2024, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as the host nation triumphed over Nigeria in a thrilling final. Sebastien Haller, making a triumphant return to football post his 2022 cancer diagnosis, secured the victory with a decisive goal, etching a memorable moment in the history of the competition.
With the echoes of the 2023 AFCON still resonating, attention now pivots to the forthcoming event. As a major international football tournament, careful planning and logistical considerations are paramount, especially given its occasional disruption to European football's prominent teams and competitions.
So, when and where is the next AFCON?
The Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 is poised to unfold in Morocco, marking the second time this North African nation assumes the prestigious role of host. Having previously hosted in 1988 and initially slated for 2015 (later relocated due to the Ebola virus outbreak), Morocco is ready to welcome the football world once again.
Unlike its predecessor, the 2025 finals are anticipated to grace the northern hemisphere's summer months, specifically in June and July. While the June-July scheduling aligns favorably with the major club competitions in Europe, uncertainties persist, with the official dates yet to be confirmed. Guinea had initially been designated as the host, but concerns about their preparedness led to a re-vote in September 2023, resulting in Morocco securing the hosting rights.
As we eagerly await the unveiling of the confirmed dates, Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), raises a valid concern. The revamped FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025, could potentially clash with the AFCON finals. Motsepe emphasizes ongoing discussions with FIFA to ensure the optimal scheduling of the tournament, aligning with the convenience of all stakeholders.
Moving beyond dates, attention shifts to the vibrant mosaic of stadiums, venues, and host cities for AFCON 2025. Morocco will set the stage across six cities: Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakesh, and Fez. These arenas are undergoing capacity expansions in preparation for the event, setting the stage not only for AFCON 2025 but also as a precursor to Morocco's co-hosting duties for the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.
When and where is the next AFCON
| Stadium | City | Capacity |
| Ibn Batouta Stadium | Tangier | 65,000 (expanding to 75,000) |
| Moulay Abdellah Stadium | Rabat | 50,000 (expanding to 69,500) |
| Mohammed V Stadium | Casablanca | 45,891 |
| Adrar Stadium | Agadir | 45,480 (expanding to 70,000) |
| Marrakesh Stadium | Marrakesh | 45,240 |
| Fez Stadium | Fez | 45,000 |
Who has qualified for AFCON 2025? List of teams at finals
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will see 24 teams enter the group stage.As of February 2024, only Morocco are assured of a place at the tournament as the host nation.
Qualification for AFCON 2025 begins later in 2024 and will run until November this year. The lowest-ranked nations will compete in a preliminary round before the main group stage begins in September.
AFCON 2025 qualifying schedule
- Preliminary round: March 18-26, 2024
- First and second days: September 2-10, 2024
- Third and fourth days: October 7-15, 2024
- Fifth and sixth days: November 11-19, 2024
Henry
just love writing about football and playing video games, love my quiet time also. contact me @ [email protected]
