The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), currently reaching the decisive stage of the group phase in Morocco, is already shaping up as one of the most significant tournaments in the history of African football. Running from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, the competition brings together 24 national teams across six Moroccan host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech and Agadir, with a total of 52 matches scheduled.
A Highly Competitive AFCON With No Clear Favorite
From a purely sporting perspective, AFCON 2025 stands out for its balance and depth. According to Sawadogo, “the 24 best African teams are present, and the levels are almost equivalent.” While Morocco enjoys a slight advantage as host nation and one of the main contenders, no team has clearly dominated the competition so far.
Alongside Morocco, several traditional powerhouses remain serious title contenders, including defending champions Ivory Coast, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The unpredictability of the Africa Cup of Nations remains one of its greatest strengths, with past editions proving that even teams qualifying as best third-placed sides can go on to lift the trophy.
Among the potential surprise packages of this edition, Burkina Faso, Mali and Tunisia are closely watched. Despite not being labeled as favorites, these teams have shown the capacity to disrupt the established hierarchy and go deep into the tournament.
Organizational Innovations: Fan ID, Technology and VAR
AFCON 2025 has also introduced several organizational innovations, reflecting Morocco’s desire to modernize the African football experience. One of the most notable is the “Fan ID,” integrated with the Yalla e-visa application, designed to facilitate stadium access and entry into the country for international supporters.
Another innovation welcomed by observers is the display of national anthem lyrics on stadium screens, allowing fans to fully engage with the pre-match ceremonies and celebrate African football culture. While the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has experienced minor technical issues during the early stages, improvements are expected as the tournament progresses.
Debate Over the Future of the Africa Cup of Nations
On the institutional front, AFCON 2025 has also revived discussions around the future format of the competition. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that from 2028 onwards, the tournament will shift from a biennial to a four-year cycle.
This decision has sparked debate among football analysts. While the move aims to align African football with the international calendar, some fear it could slow infrastructure development across the continent, as hosting AFCON has often served as a catalyst for stadium construction and modernization.
Morocco’s Strategic Vision Beyond AFCON 2025
Hosting AFCON 2025 is a key milestone in Morocco’s broader football strategy. Massive investments in stadiums, transport infrastructure and fan experience are part of a long-term vision that extends to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The tournament has already demonstrated Morocco’s capacity to host large-scale international events while showcasing its culture, hospitality and modern infrastructure. As the knockout stages approach, AFCON 2025 remains wide open on the pitch, while off it, Morocco continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for African and global football.
With major teams already eliminated and others rising to the occasion, AFCON 2025 confirms once again why the Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most unpredictable and exciting tournaments in world football.
Source: Anadolu Agency
