This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
The stage is set at the Mohammed V National Theater in Rabat, Morocco, where 24 African football nations will find out their group stage opponents in the highly anticipated CAF Africa Cup of Nations final draw TotalEnergies ( CAN) Morocco 2025, today Monday.
The event, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time (6:00 p.m. GMT), will reveal the group stage opponents of 24 teams competing for African football’s most coveted trophy.
The draw is more than just a formal procedure: it marks the symbolic start of the biggest African football competition, which will take place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
As the mood across the continent reaches fever pitch, coaches, players and fans alike are eager to find out who their teams will face in the group stage battles.
The 24 competing nations
The tournament brings together a mix of perennial powers, rising stars and newbies:
Jar 1: Morocco (host country), Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Ivory Coast (reigning champion) Jar 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Hat 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana
The diversity of the teams promises a competition filled with contrasting styles and stories.
Morocco Favorites and outsiders
Morocco host country of the CAN for the first time since 1988, will look to capitalize on its home advantage. The Atlas Lions, with their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are among the favorites.
Defending champions Ivory Coast are also aiming for a second consecutive title after lifting the trophy on home soil just a year ago. Senegal, winners in 2021, led by coach Pape Thiaw, are just as determined to make history.
Meanwhile, underdogs like Botswana, returning to the AFCON for only the second time since 2012, and the Comoros looking to replicate their surprise 2021 campaign, bring a unique edge to the tournament.
Ivory Coast Record holders and outsiders
Egypt, the reigning champion, with stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush at its head, remains a formidable force. However, teams like Mali and Burkina Faso, often considered underdogs, could shake up the traditional order with their talented squads.
Drawing mechanics
The draw will divide the 24 teams into six groups of four, with the top two from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the round of 16.
Morocco automatically occupies the A1 position as the host country, while the other teams are ranked based on their FIFA rankings.
A starry evening
The Mohammed V National Theater, inaugurated in 1961, is dressed for the occasion, highlighting the elegance and cultural heritage of Morocco.
The event will include musical performances from internationally renowned artists such as RedOne and Gims, celebrating the unity of sport and culture.
African football legends such as Essam El Hadary, Patrick Mboma and Mustapha Hadji will grace the event, adding seriousness to the evening.
Broadcast live in more than 90 countries on CAF platforms and to global broadcasters, the CAN 2025 draw symbolizes the unifying power of African football.
The tournament, scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, promises a showcase of talent, resilience and passion as Africa’s best players compete for continental glory.
