Africa Cup 2025: How to Plan the Best AFCON Trip in Morocco

A Historic, Holiday-Season AFCON

Let’s be honest—the Africa Cup of Nations has always been more than just football. It’s vibes, passion, drama, last-minute goals, and entire countries stopping everything to watch one match. But AFCON 2025? Yeah… this one hits different.

For the first time ever, the Africa Cup will run during the holiday season—December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. That means Christmas, New Year’s, family gatherings… and AFCON matches playing in the background nonstop. Basically, football fans just won the holidays.

So… why the new dates?

This wasn’t some random decision. With the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and Europe’s packed football calendar, CAF kinda had no choice. African stars were getting pulled in all directions, and something had to give. Moving the Africa Nations Cup to winter actually makes sense—it avoids burnout and opens the door to way bigger global audiences. More viewers, more hype, more money. Everyone wins (well… mostly).

From tiny beginnings to a global show

Quick throwback: AFCON started in 1957 with just three teams. Yep—three. Fast forward to today, and the Africa Cup now features 24 teams, watched by hundreds of millions around the world. Africa’s football glow-up is very real, and AFCON is proof.

Morocco’s Big Play: This Is About More Than Football 🇲🇦

Hosting Africa Cup 2025 isn’t just about matches and medals for Morocco—it’s a full-on flex.

Vision 2030: The bigger picture

Morocco is playing the long game here. Under National Vision 2030, sport (especially football) is being used as a global calling card. Hosting AFCON is Morocco saying: “Hey world, look what we can do.” And let’s be real—it’s also a warm-up for the 2030 World Cup.

Running the country like a top-tier brand

Some analysts even say Morocco runs like a well-oiled company. Everything—from transport to tourism to media—moves in sync. Think of it like a giant startup, except the CEO is the King, and the product is national image. Efficient? Very. Effective? Definitely.

Next-level infrastructure (seriously)

Here’s where it gets wild: every single team at AFCON 2025 will stay in five-star hotels. No exceptions. Add to that world-class stadiums in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier—and suddenly AFCON is competing with Europe’s biggest tournaments. This isn’t “just Africa Cup” anymore. This is premium.

The secret sauce: Mohammed VI Football Academy

If you’re wondering why Morocco keeps producing top players, look no further than the Mohammed VI Football Academy. This place has given us stars like Youssef En-Nesyri and Nayef Aguerd—players who combine European-level tactics with African flair. Morocco isn’t just showing up anymore. They’re here to win.

Who’s Winning This Thing? Let’s Talk Favorites

Based on rankings, form, and pure star power, here’s how the Africa Cup contenders look right now:

🇲🇦 Morocco – The team to beat

Home crowd? Check. Best African FIFA ranking (11th)? Check. Superstar captain Achraf Hakimi (and 2025 African Player of the Year)? Big check.
Honestly, if Morocco doesn’t reach the final, people will be shocked.

🇸🇳 Senegal – Still dangerous

The Senegal Africa Cup story isn’t over. They’ve got talent across Europe’s top leagues and a new spark under Pape Thiaw. Don’t sleep on them.

🇪🇬 Egypt – AFCON royalty

Seven titles. Need we say more? With Mohamed Salah leading the way and strong chemistry thanks to clubs like Al Ahly, the Egypt Africa Cup legacy is always a threat.

🇳🇬 Nigeria – Goals for days

Attack? Scary. Victor Osimhen + Ademola Lookman is a nightmare combo. Defense? Eh… still a bit shaky. Nigeria could either win it all or give us peak AFCON chaos.

🇩🇿 Algeria – The sneaky danger

With Riyad Mahrez’s experience and Mohamed Amoura’s goals, Algeria is the team no one wants to face. Classic dark horse energy.

How AFCON Is Changing on the Pitch

AFCON football isn’t just passion anymore—it’s smart, tactical, and data-driven.

Defense really does win titles

Stats from AFCON 2023 show that teams with strong pressing and solid defensive shape go further than teams that just score a lot. Basically, vibes + discipline = trophies.

Africa’s football is getting slick

Passing accuracy and ball control are on the rise. African teams are playing smarter, calmer, and more technical football. The “only physical” stereotype? Long gone.

Extra time = late drama

With games now getting 10+ minutes of added time, expect tired legs, late goals, and heart attacks after the 85th minute. AFCON drama is officially upgraded.

The Bigger Picture: Football, People, and Politics

AFCON as a shared moment

Even with streaming and social media everywhere, AFCON still brings people together. Cafés packed. Streets quiet. Whole countries locked into one screen. That collective feeling? Still unbeatable.

Not everyone’s cheering

In Morocco, groups like GenZ212 have raised questions: Should so much money go into stadiums instead of hospitals or schools? AFCON 2025 sits right between national pride and public debate.

Sport can be… selective

Big tournaments often push tough topics aside. Morocco’s football success has boosted its image globally, while issues like Sahrawi self-determination barely get mentioned. That’s sports diplomacy for you.

How to Watch & Who to Watch

Where to watch

Good news for international fans: AFCON 2025 will be free-to-air in the UK on E4 / Channel 4, plus global broadcasters. No excuses—you’re watching.

Young talents to keep an eye on

• Kamory Doumbia (Mali) – Creative, smooth, and fearless
• South Africa (Bafana Bafana) – A tight, domestic-based squad that plays like they’ve been together forever

These guys could surprise a lot of people.

This AFCON Is Bigger Than the Trophy

Africa Cup 2025 in Morocco isn’t just about who lifts the trophy. It’s about Africa showing up confidently on the global stage. It’s about Morocco proving it’s a football hub. And it’s about AFCON evolving into something truly world-class.