CAN 2025 Starts This Sunday (Find Out Everything)
The 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2025The Champions League, the biggest event in African football, kicks off next Sunday, December 21, 2025, with Morocco, the host nation, facing Comoros in Rabat.
This 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will run until January 18, 2026, the day the new African champion will be crowned, promises a fierce battle for the title between the continent's main powers, such as Ivory Coast, Egypt and Nigeria, but also two teams representing the Portuguese-speaking world, Mozambique and Angola.
This will be the first edition held during this period, a strategic decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA to facilitate the participation of players who play for European clubs, thus ensuring the presence of the biggest stars and a high-level spectacle.
The CAN 2025
37 years later, Morocco returns as host, receiving the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time. The matches will be played in nine stadiums spread across six host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir.
The organization seeks to consolidate an image of stability and logistical capacity, at a time when the country is already working with long-term goals for major competitions, including a roadmap to 2030. The competition will feature 24 teams divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams qualifying for the round of 16.
This model increases the margin for error, but it also raises the tactical demands when the knockout phase begins. The host team enters with the natural advantage of playing at home and with a recent history that fuels expectations, even though, in this millennium, hosts have not always lived up to expectations.
Competition History
The Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) was born in 1957 and, in the inaugural edition, Egypt won the first title in a reduced tournament that brought together Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. Since then, the competition has become a barometer of African football and a stage where historic rivalries are renewed.
Egypt remains the most successful team with seven titles and is also the only team with three consecutive wins (2006, 2008 and 2010), followed by Cameroon (five) and Ghana (four). The reigning champion, Ivory Coast, is once again among the favorites and seeks its fourth title, while Senegal and Nigeria enter with the typical pressure of teams with enough talent to go far.
Among the group stage matches that promise close attention, the fight in Group D stands out, with Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (champions in 1968 and 1974) in a duel that could define the course of the series.
Morocco, champions in 1976, are trying to repeat the feat almost five decades later and are counting on the strength of playing at home, having a deep squad, and fielding a generation accustomed to demanding environments.
However, since 2000, in 13 editions, only three countries have won at home: Tunisia (2004), Egypt (2006) and Ivory Coast (2024), the latter with a comeback in the final against Nigeria (2-1), scored by Sébastien Haller. Morocco wants to reverse this trend and take advantage of the momentum of a team that has gained world-class status since 2022, with top players and a strong competitive identity.
Portuguese-speaking countries at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will once again feature two Portuguese-speaking teams: Angola and Mozambique. In contrast, Guinea-Bissau, present in the last four editions, is absent, and Cape Verde is also not included, despite being slated to participate in next year's World Cup.
Angola is participating for the tenth time and is in Group B with Egypt, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, a group where every point will be highly valued and where emotional management can be as crucial as tactical management. In the last edition, the Palancas Negras reached the quarterfinals and lost to Nigeria 1-0, in a game where the margin was minimal.
The big news is the change in coaching staff, with Pedro Gonçalves being replaced by Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle, which makes this Africa Cup of Nations also a test of adaptation, identity and response under pressure.
Mozambique, for its part, is participating for the sixth time and is in Group F with Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Gabon, a highly demanding series that pits the Mambas against opponents with competitive experience and depth.
In the previous edition, the Mambas didn't make it past the group stage, but now they arrive with the expectation of being more consistent and competitive, on a path where every detail — from physical preparation to pragmatism in close games — could decide their fate. The big news in the squad is the presence of Dominguez, a 42-year-old midfielder.
The Competition
For the first time, the Africa Cup of Nations will be played at the turn of the year, between December and January, a strategic decision by CAF to mitigate the conflict with European calendars, where most of the selected players play.
The Moroccan team arrives at this edition buoyed by their recent victory in the Arab Cup and a consistent international trajectory, reinforced by their historic presence in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. In the race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, Morocco faces stiff competition.
Egypt, the most decorated nation in the competition with seven titles, naturally emerges as a favorite, as do Nigeria and Senegal. Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon complete the range of teams with the potential to challenge for the trophy, even in a context of internal instability that has marked the Indomitable Lions.
The Stars
True to tradition, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is brimming with talent, much of it honed in European football. Morocco stands out with names like Bono, currently at Al Hilal, Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, and Brahim Díaz of Real Madrid, central figures in a team whose intensity and tactical organization are its hallmarks.
In Egypt, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah remains the main reference point, accompanied by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush. Star status extends to other key players from the continent, such as Nigeria's Victor Osimhen, Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, Senegal's Sadio Mané, and Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo.
Portuguese leagues will also have strong representation at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with 17 players called up. Six of them are part of the Mozambique national team, led by Geny Catamo from Sporting and accompanied by Diogo Calila, Witi, Kenys Abdala, Kimiss Zavala and Chamito. Zaidu, from FC Porto, represents Nigeria, while Angola will be represented by Jonathan Buatu, Pedro Bondo and Beni Mukendi.
Ivory Coast has called up Ousmane Diomande and Konan, both playing in Portugal. Completing the list are Iyad Mohamed and Rémy Vita from Comoros, Yaya Sithole from South Africa, Dokou Dodo from Benin, and Amadou Danté from Mali. Defender Sekou Niakaté, from Sporting Braga, was also part of Mali's plans, but will be left out due to injury.
Ball and Mascot of CAN 2025
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The official match ball of the competition, named ITRI, was presented jointly by CAF and Puma. The name means "star" in Amazigh, an ancient language of North Africa, in reference to the Moroccan flag and the ambitions of the 24 participating teams.
O Design The ball's design draws inspiration from the geometric patterns of zellige, a traditional Moroccan art form, featuring a central star and flowing lines that symbolize energy, movement, unity, and the rich cultural heritage of African football.
Besides the ball, the official mascot of this edition is Assad, inspired by the Atlas Lion, the national symbol of Morocco. Representing strength, pride, and cultural identity, the mascot will liven up the stadiums and the... fanzones and community events, in addition to acting as an ambassador for the tournament in initiatives aimed at developing grassroots football and youth programs across the continent.
Strong Investment
The organizational scale of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is reflected in a significant investment in infrastructure. The 35th edition of the competition will be played in nine stadiums, distributed across the cities of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez.
The opening match, on December 21st, and the final, on January 18th, will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which has a capacity of 68,700 spectators. Only the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier surpasses it in size, being able to hold up to 75,000 people.
Moroccan authorities have invested over 870 million euros in modernizing sports infrastructure, as part of a broader plan that foresees around two billion euros by 2030, the year Morocco will host the final phase of the World Cup, jointly organized with Portugal and Spain.
Throughout almost a month of competition, 52 matches will be played, all under the watchful eye of Mais Afrika, which will be covering every moment of this great celebration of African football.
Conclusion
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations arrives with the weight of a historic competition and the ambition to be remembered both for the matches and the scale of the organization.
Morocco wants to win at home and confirm the status it has earned in recent years, but the road will be full of obstacles, from traditional powerhouses like Egypt, Cameroon or Nigeria to rising teams eager to prove themselves.
For Portuguese-speaking countries, Angola and Mozambique represent two different paths, but the same opportunity: to transform the group stage into a starting point for a campaign marked by competitiveness and maturity.
With 52 matches and a final scheduled for January 18, 2026, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises excitement, pressure, and new stories on an old stage, where each edition rewrites the hierarchy of African football.
CAN 2025 Calendar
GROUP A
1st Round:
Sunday, December 21th:
Morocco – Comoros, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 20:00 PM
Monday, December 22th:
Mali – Zambia, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 15:00 PM
2st Round:
Friday, December 26th:
Zambia – Comoros, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 18:30 PM
Morocco – Mali, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 21:00 PM
3st Round:
Monday, December 29th:
Zambia – Morocco, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 20:00 PM
Comoros – Mali, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 20:00 PM
B GROUP
1st Round:
Monday, December 22th:
South Africa – Angola, at the Marrakech Stadium, 18:00 PM
Egypt – Zimbabwe, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 21:00 PM
2st Round:
Friday, December 26th:
Angola – Zimbabwe, at the Marrakech Stadium, 13:30 PM
Egypt – South Africa, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 16:00
3st Round:
Monday, December 29th:
Angola – Egypt, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 17:00
Zimbabwe – South Africa, at the Marrakech Stadium, 17:00 PM
GROUP C
1st Round:
Tuesday, December 23:
Nigeria – Tanzania, at Fez Stadium, 18:30 PM
Tunisia – Uganda, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, 21:00 PM
2st Round:
Saturday, December 27th:
Uganda – Tanzania, at Al Medina Stadium, Rabat, 18:30 PM
Nigeria – Tunisia, at Fez Stadium, 21:00 PM
3st Round:
Tuesday, December 30th:
Uganda – Nigeria, at Fez Stadium, 17:00 PM
Tanzania – Tunisia, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, 17:00 PM
GROUP D
1st Round:
Tuesday, December 23th:
DRC – Benin, at Al Medina Stadium, Rabat, 13:30 PM
Senegal – Botswana, at the Grand Tangier Stadium, 16:00 PM
2st Round:
Saturday, December 27th:
Benin – Botswana, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, 13:30 PM
Senegal – DRC, at the Grand Tangier Stadium, 16:00 PM
3st Round:
Tuesday, December 30th:
Benin – Senegal, at the Grand Tangier Stadium, 20:00 PM
Botswana – DRC, at Al Medina Stadium, Rabat 20:00
GROUP E
1st Round:
Wednesday, December 24st:
Burkina Faso – Equatorial Guinea, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 13:30 PM
Algeria – Sudan, at Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, 16:00
2st Round:
Sunday, December 28th:
Equatorial Guinea – Sudan, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 16:00
Algeria – Burkina Faso, at Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, 18:30
3st Round:
Wednesday, December 31st:
Equatorial Guinea – Algeria, at Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, 17:00
Sudan – Burkina Faso, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 17:00 PM
GROUP F
1st Round:
Wednesday, December 24st:
Ivory Coast – Mozambique, at the Marrakech Stadium, 18:30 PM
Cameroon – Gabon, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 21:00 PM
2st Round:
Sunday, December 28th:
Gabon – Mozambique, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 13:00
Ivory Coast – Cameroon, at the Marrakech Stadium, 21:00 PM
3st Round:
Wednesday, December 31st:
Gabon – Ivory Coast, at the Marrakech Stadium, 20:00 PM
Mozambique – Cameroon, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 20:00 PM
Round of 16
Saturday, January 3rd:
Match 37: 1st Group D – 3rd Group B/E/F, at Grand Tanger Stadium, 17:00
Match 38: 2nd Group A – 2nd Group C, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 20:00 PM
Sunday, January 4th:
Match 39: 1st Group A – 3rd Group C/D/E, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 17:00
Match 40: 2nd Group B – 2nd Group F, at Al Medina Stadium, Rabat, 20:00
Monday, January 5th:
Match 41: 1st Group B – 3rd Group A/C/D, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 17:00
Match 42: 1st Group C – 3rd Group A/B/F, at Fez Stadium, 20:00 PM
Tuesday, January 6th:
Match 43: 1st Group E – 2nd Group D, at Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, 17:00
Match 44: Group F – Group E, Marrakech Stadium, 8:00 PM
QUARTER-FINALS
Friday, January 9th:
Match 45: Winner of match 38 – Winner of match 37, at Grand Tangier Stadium, 17:00
Match 46: Winner of match 40 – Winner of match 39, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 20:00
Saturday, January 10rd:
Match 47: Winner of match 43 – Winner of match 42, at Marrakech Stadium, 17:00
Match 48: Winner of match 41 – Winner of match 44, at Adrar Stadium, Agadir, 20:00 PM
SEMI-FINALS
Wednesday, January 14th:
Match 49: Winner of match 45 – Winner of match 48, at Grand Tangier Stadium, 18:00
Match 50: Winner of match 47 – Winner of match 46, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 21:00
THIRD PLACE MATCH
Saturday, January 17rd:
Loser of game 49 – Loser of game 50, at Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca, 17:00
FINAL
Sunday, January 18th:
Winner of match 49 – Winner of match 50, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, 20:00 PM
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Picture: © 2024 Francisco Lopes-Santos
