The wait is over—Morocco now knows its opponents for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), an edition that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. As the host nation, Morocco will welcome the continent’s best teams from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in what is expected to be a thrilling competition. Drawn into Group A, the Atlas Lions will face Mali, Comoros, and Zambia, in a group where every match could be a turning point.
A manageable yet tricky group for the Atlas Lions
While Morocco enters the tournament as the clear favorite, bolstered by its home advantage and a squad brimming with talent, the road to glory won’t be without challenges.
Mali, a formidable force in African football, boasts a well-drilled squad with players competing in top European leagues. The Eagles are determined to challenge Morocco’s dominance with their blend of physicality and technique.
Comoros, the surprise package of the last AFCON, have proven they can punch above their weight. Their fast-paced style and solid defensive organization could cause headaches for any opponent.
Zambia, the 2012 African champions, are no strangers to big occasions. With an exciting young generation and a penchant for attacking football, they could very well spring a surprise in the group.
The group stage lineup: Intense battles await
The 2025 AFCON promises a fiercely contested group stage, with several high-profile clashes on the horizon. Here’s how the groups are shaping up:
- Group A: Morocco – Mali – Comoros – Zambia
- Group B: Zimbabwe – Angola – South Africa
- Group C: Tanzania – Uganda – Tunisia
- Group D: Botswana – Benin – DR Congo
- Group E: Sudan – Equatorial Guinea – Burkina Faso
- Group F: Mozambique – Gabon
The tournament format ensures high stakes, with the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stage. This setup guarantees fierce competition and unpredictability.
Morocco: A favorite under immense pressure
Hosting AFCON brings both excitement and enormous pressure. Moroccan fans have high expectations, dreaming of a long-awaited continental triumph—something the nation hasn’t achieved since 1976.
With a squad featuring top European-based stars, the challenge for the national coach will be to strike the right balance between experience and youth, crafting a tactical approach that blends attacking flair with defensive resilience. Anything less than lifting the trophy on home soil would be considered a disappointment.
A world-class stage for African football
Beyond the footballing spectacle, the 2025 AFCON presents a golden opportunity for Morocco to showcase its prowess in organizing major sporting events. Boasting state-of-the-art stadiums, modern infrastructure, and an unparalleled football culture, the Kingdom is ready to deliver a tournament that will captivate fans and showcase African football at its finest.
As the countdown begins, anticipation is building across the nation. Football fever is set to grip Morocco, and all eyes will be on the opening match on December 21, 2025, as the journey to African glory begins!
