This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
The countdown to the 2025 CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) has officially begun, as the North African country of Morocco prepares to host the prestigious football tournament for the second time in its history.
A return to Morocco
The last edition of the African Cup of Nations held in Morocco dates back to 1988, with only eight teams participating, Cameroon winning against Nigeria in the final. For the 2025 edition, the tournament saw a significant expansion with 24 teams participating, illustrating the progress of African football after three decades of development. Morocco was designated as host country on September 27, 2023, an announcement greeted with cheerfulness. The Atlas Lions, already qualified as organizers, are determined to demonstrate their country’s hosting capabilities for an event of this caliber, reinforced by their historic run during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they managed to become the first nation on the continent to reach the semi-finals.
Stadiums and host cities
Even if the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has not yet disclosed the selected venues, several emblematic stadiums should occupy a central place in the tournament. These include:
Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca: This emblematic site, which already hosted the 1988 CAN final, should establish itself as a central location during the tournament.
Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Another strategic location is currently undergoing expansion work to improve its capacity.
Stade Ibn Batouta, Tangier: Designed to host some of the most important matches of the tournament, the stadium has an increased capacity to accommodate a larger number of spectators.
Stade Adrar, Agadir: Renowned for its idyllic location and contemporary facilities, the venue continues to develop to host the tournament.
Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech: A place popular with supporters and which should experience great activity during the tournament.
Stade de Fès, Fez: A more conventional environment which will contribute to the diversity of experiences available to fans.
Key dates
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will begin on December 21, 2025 and conclude with the final scheduled for January 18, 2026. These dates are essential for fans and teams preparing for this football event which is the most important on the continent African.
Morocco’s growing reputation in football
The designation of Morocco as host country for CAN 2025 is hardly surprising, given its skills in organizing international football events. Between CHAN 2018, the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, Morocco has proven its ability to host premier football tournaments. This experience, combined with a deep-rooted passion for football and modern infrastructure, promises to make this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations one of the most memorable.
Towards the future
As the road to Morocco 2025 begins, enthusiasm is palpable not only for the tournament itself, but also for what it represents: a celebration of African football and a demonstration of Morocco’s commitment to it. sport. With international-caliber infrastructure, a passionate public and recent experience in hosting major sporting events, Morocco is ready to offer a CAN that will set new standards for the competition.
