The stage is officially set for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, as the highly anticipated Final Draw took place at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat. The star-studded ceremony revealed the 24 qualified teams’ group stage matchups for the tournament, scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
This year’s tournament will be hosted across six Moroccan cities, featuring nine stadia, as the continent’s top teams battle for Africa’s most prestigious football trophy.
Morocco Returns as Host
Morocco, hosting the AFCON for the first time since 1988, has made significant investments in preparing its venues to ensure a world-class tournament.
Group Breakdown
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Hosts Morocco will aim to assert dominance in a competitive group featuring Mali and two spirited sides in Zambia and Comoros. - Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Record seven-time champions Egypt face a Southern African challenge with South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe in a balanced group. - Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Nigeria squares off with Tunisia and East African co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, Uganda and Tanzania. - Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Reigning champions from 2021, Senegal, lead this group, taking on DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. - Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
The 2019 winners Algeria meet Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan in an intriguing pool. - Group F: Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire face five-time winners Cameroon, alongside Gabon and Mozambique.
Event Highlights
The draw ceremony was graced by iconic African football figures, including Serge Aurier, Aliou Cissé, Joseph Yobo, and Mustapha Hadji, who assisted with the group selections. The event was broadcast live in over 90 countries, underscoring the global appeal of African football.
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