AFCON 2025 Guide: Teams, Records & all you need to know

Africa’s biggest football tournament is nearly here. In just under 100 days, the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco, bringing together 24 nations, 52 matches, and a rich tapestry of footballing history across nine stadiums.

The opening match is scheduled for 21 December at Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, which will also host the final on 18 January 2026.

This marks Morocco’s first time hosting AFCON in 37 years, returning to the spotlight after successfully staging recent CAF events with acclaim.

Who’s Playing?

The tournament features a deep and competitive field. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire arrive with momentum, while Egypt, the most decorated team in AFCON history with seven titles, will be chasing an eighth crown.

Among the 24 qualified teams are 12 previous champions, underscoring the tournament’s pedigree and unpredictability.

 Format at a Glance

AFCON 2025 retains the familiar 24-team format, split into six groups of four. The group stage will produce 36 matches, followed by a knockout phase that includes:

• Round of 16
• Quarter-finals
• Semi-finals
• Final

Expect near-daily drama over four festive-season weeks, with matches played across nine modern venues in cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, and Fès.

🌟 Stars & Stakes

AFCON 2025 will showcase elite talent from Europe’s top leagues alongside emerging stars hoping to use the continental stage as a global springboard.

While Samuel Eto’o remains the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 18 goals, today’s stars like Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mané will be chasing their own legacies.

Key storylines include:

• Can Côte d’Ivoire defend their title?
• Will Egypt reclaim dominance?
• Which underdog will rise from the middle tier?
• Bafana Bafana to reclaim the glory?

Key Numbers to Know

• 35th edition of AFCON
• 24 teams, including 12 former champions
• 52 matches, with 36 in the group stage
• 9 stadiums across Morocco
• Opening match: 21 December, Rabat
• Final: 18 January, Rabat
• Defending champions: Côte d’Ivoire
• Most titles: Egypt (7)
• All-time top scorer: Samuel Eto’o (18 goals)