The Road To Morocco Begins As 24 Teams Confirmed For Africa’s Biggest Football Tournament

The TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 Qualifiers are complete, the 24 teams have been confirmed, and the stage is set for the pinnacle of African football: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Fans worldwide now face a year-long wait for the 35th edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on December 21, 2025, in Morocco. With the excitement from the spectacular 2023 AFCON still fresh in the minds of fans, the upcoming championship promises to set even higher standards.

Carrying Forward the Legacy of AFCON 2023

The 2023 edition of the tournament, hosted in Côte d’Ivoire, was truly extraordinary. Over 2 billion viewers tuned in globally, highlighting the competition’s growing appeal. Analysts described it as the most exciting AFCON in over a decade, with a goals-per-game average of 2.47 in the group stages—the highest in 15 years.

Big names like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane, Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, and Manchester United’s Andre Onana took center stage, showcasing world-class performances and drawing immense global interest. The participation of these internationally acclaimed stars not only enhanced the tournament’s prestige but also highlighted the depth of talent emerging from Africa.

CAF’s partnerships with leading broadcasters such as Sky, Canal+, and beIN Sport ensured that matches were accessible in over 180 countries, making it easier than ever for fans around the world to engage with the tournament. Looking ahead to the upcoming 2025 edition, the stage is set for these successes to be repeated, if not surpassed.

Morocco: A Worthy Host Nation

Morocco has demonstrated its ability to host world-class events. Following their historic semi-final appearance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the North African nation has made significant investments in advanced football infrastructure, ensuring top-notch facilities for both players and fans.

From the vibrant streets of Casablanca to the historic charm of Marrakech, Morocco provides a unique setting for the tournament. The host nation’s passion for football is palpable, and fans can anticipate a warm welcome and an atmosphere that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Who’s In: The Contenders and Underdogs

The 2025 tournament promises an exciting mix of traditional powerhouses and underdog teams eager to make their mark. The reigning champions, Côte d’Ivoire, fresh off their victory in the 2023 edition, will be looking to defend their title with a squad filled with talent and determination. One standout player to watch is Karim Konaté, a young star nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or’s Kopa Trophy. Konaté is expected to be a key player in the Ivorian lineup and will be crucial as they aim to protect their crown.

The TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 Qualifiers began in September 2024 and will run until November 2024. The qualification process has been intense, with 48 nations divided into 12 groups, from which the top two teams in each group will secure their spots in Morocco. As always, the competition has been fierce, with giants like Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a place in the tournament. While most traditional powerhouses have secured their spots, some notable teams, such as Ghana and Guinea, have fallen short and failed to qualify. Their absence from the 2025 edition adds an element of unpredictability, making the upcoming tournament even more exciting.

Senegal, featuring their influential forward Sadio Mané, will also be among the favourites as they aim to build on their impressive performance and pursue their second AFCON title. Meanwhile, Egypt, led by the dependable Mohamed Salah, will be eager to reclaim the championship and add to their record of seven AFCON titles. These teams, along with several others, are sure to provide intense competition as the tournament unfolds.

Nigeria, with a blend of youth and experience, and Algeria, known for their flair and attacking style, are also expected to be frontrunners in the upcoming tournament. However, the last edition of this biennial event showed that fans should pay attention not just to the traditional powerhouses.

The qualifiers featured several inspiring underdog stories. Tanzania secured their spot in the tournament with a memorable victory over Guinea, marking only their fourth appearance. Additionally, Botswana, a team with limited history in AFCON, surprised many by clinching their place with a gritty draw in Cairo. Southern Africa will also be well represented, as Mozambique qualified in dramatic fashion, adding to the excitement surrounding the tournament.

All AFCON 2025 Qualified Teams:

• Algeria
• Angola
• Benin
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Comoros
• DR Congo
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• Ivory Coast
• Nigeria
• Mali
• Morocco (hosts)
• Mozambique
• Senegal
• South Africa
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

The Stakes for African Football

AFCON is more than just a football competition; it is a celebration of African pride, culture, and unity. Each edition of the tournament not only showcases incredible athletic talent but also serves as a platform to highlight the continent’s global influence in sports.

CAF’s efforts to expand broadcast rights and attract commercial partnerships have already produced impressive results. The 2023 tournament generated a record $75 million in sponsorship revenue, with global brands such as TotalEnergies, 1xBet, and Orange partnering with the competition. This momentum sets the stage for Morocco 2025 to achieve even greater financial and viewership milestones.

However, challenges still remain. Logistical issues that restrict fan attendance and the high cost of intra-African travel are barriers that CAF will need to address to ensure that fans across the continent can fully participate in the AFCON experience.

Why 2025 AFCON Will Be Unmissable

The ingredients for an unforgettable tournament are all present. With 24 teams competing for glory, the stakes are higher than ever. The blend of established giants and rising challengers promises a competition filled with drama, skill, and surprises.

Additionally, Morocco’s hosting capabilities, combined with the talents of Africa’s finest players, create the ideal setting for another landmark moment in African football. As the tournament approaches, excitement will only continue to grow, with fans eagerly counting down the days until the opening whistle blows.

Let the Countdown Begin

The Africa Cup of Nations is more than just a football tournament; it reflects Africa’s passion, talent, and unity. The success of the 2023 edition has set a high standard, and all indications suggest that the 2025 AFCON will be an unforgettable event.

As December 21, 2025, approaches, fans around the world will eagerly anticipate the excitement, drama, and magic that only AFCON can provide. For now, the anticipation continues to build. Let the countdown to Africa’s greatest footballing spectacle begin!