Africa Cup of Nations 2025: The Fan Guide to Morocco’s Winter Tournament
Football fans, clear your calendars. Cancel your Christmas plans. Tell your family you are busy this New Year’s. The greatest spectacle the continent has to offer is back, and this time it is landing in the Kingdom of Light.
Lo and behold, the AFCON 2025 is finally upon us, and it indeed appears to be a tournament very much different from any previously experienced.
The kings of African football will for the first time clash over the Christmas and New Year period. From December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Morocco will see itself being catapulted into the center of the sporting universe.
Ditch the freezing rain of Dublin or London for the imagination of watching the continent’s best—Osimhen, Hakimi, Salah, Mané—fight for glory under the mild Moroccan winter sun, surrounded by the electric atmosphere that only North African football can provide.
As MoroccosGate is set to welcome the rest of the world, be it a die-hard supporter of the Atlas Lions, neutrals in love with the game, or a voyager seeking new things for winter holidays; this is your bible for AFCON 2025.
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Historical Tournament Data: What is Different About 2025?
The Christmas AFCON
Historically, this tournament has been a source of friction between European clubs, given that it usually takes place in either January/February or June/July, when the weather in Qatar will likely be summery. This new change in the schedule, from December 21 until January 18, is a game-changer. It falls perfectly in line with the European winter break.
Since fans are concerned, this is the best present they could have asked for. You can celebrate Christmas in Marrakech or Boxing Day with a match between Nigeria and Tunisia.
The 2030 Rehearsal
Morocco is not only hosting AFCON but also getting ready for the big occasion. Morocco will co-host the World Cup of 2030 with Spain and Portugal. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is the dress rehearsal. The infrastructure, the stadia, the fast trains, and the fan zones are being tested to World Cup standards. The fan in the stands can expect that he or she is getting the 2025 World Cup experience five years in advance.
A Return After 37 Years
The last time Morocco hosted the AFCON was way back in 1988. Football has changed. The country has changed. This is a chance for Morocco to show the world that it is the undisputed capital of African football.
The Host Cities & Stadiums: Where the Magic Happens
Matches will be played across nine world-class stadiums in six iconic host cities. If you are planning your trip, here is what you need to know about the venues.
1. Rabat: The Crown Jewel
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
- The Vibe: The capital city. Sophisticated, historic, and calm.
- Key Match: This stadium will host the Grand Final on January 18, 2026. If you want to see the trophy lifted, all roads lead to Rabat.
2. Casablanca: The Heartbeat
- Stade Mohammed V (and potentially the new Grand Stade if operational) Stadium.
- The Aura: Casablanca is loud, passionate, and gritty. This is the home of the “Ultras.” Expect the atmosphere here to be the most intense in the tournament. It is the economic hub and the easiest entry point for international flights.
3. Tangier: The Gateway
- Ibn Batouta Stadium.
- The Energy: Located on the northern tip, Tangier is where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It is connected to Casablanca and Rabat by the Al Boraq high-speed train, making it incredibly accessible.
4. Marrakesh: The Tourist Favorite
- Grand Stade de Marrakech Stadium.
- The Vibe: If you want to combine football with luxury Riads, desert trips, and shopping in the Souks, Marrakesh is your base. The stadium is beautiful, set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
5. Agadir: Winter Sun
- Adrar Stadium.
- The Aura: Located in the south, Agadir offers the best weather in December. It’s a beach resort city. Perfect for fans who want to surf in the morning and watch football in the evening.
6. Fez: The Spiritual Center
- Fez Stadium.
- The Energy: The world’s largest car-free urban area. Walking through the medina of Fez is like time travel. A venue for the football purist who loves culture.
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The Groups: A Tactical Breakdown
The draw has been made, and the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 groups are mouth-watering. 24 teams have qualified, but only one can wear the crown. Here is your guide to the Group Stage.
A Group: The Hosts and The Hope
- Teams: Morocco (Hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros.
- Analysis: The Atlas Lions are the overwhelming favorites on home soil. However, Mali is a dangerous side packed with midfield talent.
- The Opener: The tournament kicks off on Sunday, December 21, with Morocco vs. Comoros. On paper, it’s a mismatch, but Comoros proved in the last AFCON they are giant killers. Expect a carnival atmosphere for this opening clash.
B Group: The Salah Factor
- Squads: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe.
- Classification: This is arguably a “Group of Death.” Egypt are record seven-time winners and will likely be led by Mohamed Salah. But they face South Africa (Bafana Bafana), whose squad is built around the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns club team. Angola and Zimbabwe are physical, tough teams. Predicting the top two here is a nightmare.
C Group: The Super Eagles Soar
- Groups: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Benin.
- Separation: Nigeria boasts the most frightening attack in Africa (Osimhen, Lookman, Boniface). They are expected to crush this group. However, Tunisia is the tactical antithesis—organized, defensive, and frustrating to play against. The Nigeria vs. Tunisia match will be a clash of styles: Fire vs. Ice.
D Group: The Lions of Teranga
- Squads: Senegal, DR Congo, Tanzania, Botswana.
- Analysis: Senegal, the 2021 champions, have a solid path here. DR Congo (The Leopards) are physically imposing and reached the semi-finals last time. Tanzania and Botswana will likely fight for the third spot, but in AFCON, upsets are guaranteed.
E Group: The Redemption Arc
- Teams: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan.
- Classification: Algeria has crashed out early in the last two tournaments. They are desperate for redemption. Burkina Faso (The Stallions) are consistent semi-finalists and play exciting football. Equatorial Guinea is the “dark horse” that nobody wants to play—they are organized and fearless.
F Group: The Champions’ Defense
- Groups: Ivory Coast (Holders), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique.
- Separation: A heavyweight clash! The defending champions, Ivory Coast, are drawn against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. This is a rivalry of titans. Throw in Gabon, and you have a very tricky group. Every match in Group F will feel like a final.
Notable Absentees: The Shock of the Qualifiers
You cannot talk about Africa Cup of Nations 2025 without mentioning who isn’t here.
The biggest shock is the absence of Ghana. The Black Stars, four-time champions, failed to qualify. It is a massive blow for West African football, but it highlights the brutal competitiveness of the qualifiers. In AFCON, reputation buys you nothing.
Tournament Format & Key Dates
For those planning their travel itinerary, here is how the tournament flows:
- Group Stage: Dec 21, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025.
- Note: Yes, there will be football on Christmas Eve and possibly New Year’s Eve.
- Knockout Stages: Jan 3, 2026 – Jan 18, 2026.
- Round of 16: The top two from each group + the four best 3rd-place teams.
- Quarter-Finals & Semi-Finals: The drama intensifies.
- The Final: Sunday, Jan 18, 2026, in Rabat.
Travel Tips for the “Christmas AFCON”
Traveling to Morocco in December/January is different from the summer. Here is your survival guide.
1. The Weather
Do not pack just shorts and t-shirts.
- Days: Pleasant and sunny (18°C – 22°C). Perfect for t-shirts.
- Nights: It gets cold! (8°C – 12°C). You will need a jacket for the evening matches.
- Rain: December can see some rain, especially in Tangier and Casablanca. Bring a raincoat.
2. Transport Between Cities
Morocco’s infrastructure is elite.
- Al Boraq (High-Speed Train): Connects Tangier -> Kenitra -> Rabat -> Casablanca. It is fast (320km/h), affordable, and punctual.
- Flights: For Agadir and Fez, you might want to look at domestic flights with Royal Air Maroc if you are short on time.
- Driving: The highways (Autoroutes) between host cities are excellent if you prefer to rent a car.
3. Accommodation
Because the tournament falls during the Christmas holidays, accommodation will be at a premium.
- Book Now: If you are reading this blog, you should be booking your Riad or Hotel immediately.
- Marrakech & Agadir: These are popular winter sun destinations for Europeans even without football. Expect high occupancy.
4. Tickets
Tickets will be sold via the CAF official platform.
- Digital First: Morocco uses an e-ticket system. Ensure your phone is charged.
- Passports: You may need your passport ID to purchase or enter the stadium (security measures).
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Why This Matters for World Football
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is a window into the future.
Seven of the nine African nations already qualified for the 2026 World Cup (USA/Mexico/Canada) are competing here. You are watching the teams that will likely shock the world next summer.
Furthermore, the atmosphere. There is a specific noise in African football—a mix of drums, horns, and synchronized chanting—that you cannot find in the Premier League or La Liga. It is raw passion.
MoroccosGate Prediction
We are biased, but we are also realists.
- The Favorites: Morocco. Playing at home, with a squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals, anything less than the trophy will be seen as a failure.
- The Challengers: Nigeria (too much firepower), Senegal (too much experience), and Ivory Coast (they know how to win).
- The Dark Horse: Mali. They have a midfield that can control any game.
Join Us for the Festival of Football
- Are you ready to witness history?
- Are you ready to spend Christmas Day cheering for a goal in Casablanca?
- Are you ready for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025?
At MoroccosGate, we are dedicated to helping you experience the magic of this tournament. Whether you need help navigating the train system, finding a family-friendly Riad near the stadium, or just want to know where the best pre-match food is, we are here for you.
Let the games begin!
Get in Touch for AFCON Planning
Do not leave your trip to the last minute. The “Christmas AFCON” will be busy!
- WhatsApp us: +353-892614066
- Email: travel@moroccosgate.com
- Check CAF for Match Schedules: A full match schedule and results are available on CAF’s official platform.
See you in the stands! Dima Maghrib!
