The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is finally here! All eyes are now on tournament hosts Morocco who are looking to not only deliver an exceptional experience that African football deserves but also break their 41-year title jinx. ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: The favourites, outsiders and dark horses The Maghreb country has pulled out all the stop, particularly in terms of infrastructure and security. But beyond football preparations, what else should fans know about the host nation? Geographic situation Morocco is located in north-western tip of the African continent, just 15 km from Europe. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and Algeria to the east. Its capital city is Rabat, a political and administrative place that will play a central role during the tournament. Climate Morocco offers a climate that is generally favorable for football. Winters are mild, with temperature ranging between 12°C, 22°C, and humidity levels are lower than in tropical Africa. AFCON 2025 participants and fans can therefore expect cooler, comfortable conditions, ideal for both players and spectators. Football background Football is by far the most popular sport in Morocco, influenced by European football particularly from Spain and France. Moroccan clubs regularly compete at a high level in CAF competitions, gaining continental experience and recognition. Casablanca rivals Wydad and Raja both have CAF Champions League titles while RS Berkane are the most decorated club in the CAF Confederation Cup with three titles. Morocco’s greatest AFCON success came in 1976, when they won the tournament for the first time. Since then, the Atlas Lions have remained competitive and are now regular contenders in the knockout stages. On the global stage, Morocco made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reaching the semi-finals and finishing 4th, becoming the first African nation ever to reach that stage. Earlier, they were also the first African team to qualify for the Round of 16 at the 1986 World Cup. Morocco welcomes the AFCON 2025 leading the African ranking and 12th in the world. With the home crowd now at their back, the are considered among the favourites to lift the trophy they last won in 1976. Key players and football legends Morocco has produced numerous elite class players through its football history. Among the current stars is African Player of the Year award holder Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best right backs in world football so far. He is supported by creative talents such as Brahim Díaz as well as Yassine Bounou, one of Africa elite goalkeepers. The country has also celebrated legendary figures, including Ahmed Faras, the hero of AFCON 1976, and Mustapha Hadji, African Footballer of the Year in 1998. Stadiums and host cities AFCON 2025 will be staged across nine stadiums in six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez. Rabat alone will host matches in four venues, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which will stage both the opening match and the final. Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium, home of Wydad AC and Raja Casablanca, remains one of the most iconic stadiums in Africa. Other venues include Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan (Rabat), Stade El Barid (Rabat), Stade Annexe Olympique du Complexe Moulay Abdellah (Rabat), Complexe Sportif de Fès (Fez), Grand Stade de Tanger (Tangier), Grand Stade de Marrakech (Marrakech), Grand Stade d’Agadir (Agadir) The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will also serve as a dress rehearsal for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host. For more than two decades, the country has positioned sport, especially football, as a strategic tool to strengthen its influence in Africa and beyond.
