AFCON 2025 Morocco Preview – Predictions, Favourites, and Players to Watch

AFCON 2025 is set to hold from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, where 24 countries will compete in the tournament. This is the 35th edition and there are so many predictions already.

The fan is not the only set of preparers; sports-betting platforms, such as 1xbet, which is a partner of CAF, are also gearing up. This preview will give you everything you need to know about AFCON 2025: the host, format, the dates of the competition, the most matches, the star players, and which players are likely to shine the best.

Overview of AFCON 2025

Even before kickoff, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be a true celebration of African football. Hosted by Morocco, the tournament will bring together 24 nations competing for continental glory.

Host Country and Tournament Format

On September 27, 2023, Morocco was confirmed as the host to AFCON 2025. The tournament will take place in six cities and nine stadiums with Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (68,700 seats) and Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca (45,000 seats) taking part.

As a host to AFCON in the past in 1988, Morocco is in a good position to host another World Cup and the infrastructure and transport improvements have been enhanced.

The arrangement will be identical to that of the previous edition of 24 teams which will be divided into 6 groups of four teams. Each group will play three games and the two best teams participating in each group along with four third-best teams will play in the round of 16. From there, it is straight down to quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand final.

Key Dates and Schedule Highlights

The official fixture, released on January 31, 2025, has something for everyone to look forward to. The tournament will get underway on December 21, 2025, with an opening ceremony and the Group A match between Morocco and Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The group stage will run until the final days of December, setting the stage for the knockout stage in January 2026.

Here is a list of the key dates:

• Dec 21, 2025 – First match and opening ceremony: Morocco vs Comoros
• Dec 21 - 31, 2025 – Group stage fixtures played in six host cities
• Jan 3 - 6, 2026 – Round of 16
• Jan 9 - 10, 2026 – Quarter-finals
• Jan 14, 2026 – Semi-finals
• Jan 18, 2026 – Third-place playoff and final

AFCON’s Significance for African Football

AFCON is not just a competition; it is a celebration of African pride and unity. It is where heroes are born and where nations turn out to support their nations.

The tournament has enormous economic and cultural importance as well. Past hosts like Cameroon (2022) and the Ivory Coast (2023) have seen the local economies and infrastructures boom with major job opportunities and long-term benefits. Morocco is poised to gain in the same manner.

Ultimately, AFCON 2025 will do more than crown a champion as it will showcase the passion, growth, and global strength of African football.

Top Teams to Watch in AFCON 2025

Every AFCON brings surprises, emotions, and unforgettable moments and 2025 will be no different. While underdogs chase miracles, a few powerhouse nations will enter as clear favourites. Here is a look at the top teams to watch.

Morocco

Morocco goes into AFCON 2025 with optimism and confidence waves. After delivering their finest semi-final performance at the 2022 World Cup, they have demonstrated that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with whoever they face. The combination of tactical discipline and creativity under the coach Walid Regragui has enabled the side to be one of the most balanced teams in Africa.

The Atlas Lions benefit through the experience and flexibility of such star players like Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat. They are defensively solid and the speed with which they move back-to-front could be the vital element of cracking tight matches. Morocco has got everything going their way owing to the support of their passionate home fans.

Senegal

The former champions, Senegal, have won it just once and they want to do so again with renewed hunger. Sadio Mané is still the model, while youthful stars like Nicolas Jackson bring in vigour and dynamism to the team.

Coach Aliou Cissé has built a team famous for balance: stout at the back, forceful in midfield, and deadly on the counter. They have one of the deepest squads on the continent, and Senegal is capable of winning the tournament.

Egypt

Not many teams have AFCON’s pedigree like Egypt. They are the most successful nation in the competition with seven titles, but it has been a while since they last lifted the trophy. Led by Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs are eager to reclaim their dominance.

Egypt's strength is the tournament experience. But their recent inconsistency and sometimes conservative tactics have been holding them back. If they could find the right balance between attack and defence, they could again be holding the trophy in January 2026.

Nigeria

Nigeria boasts of the most prolific African frontline when it comes to raw attacking talent. They have a young and fearless team headed by the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

Midfielders such as Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are creative midfielders who can play with finesse and bring any defence to pieces with the flair that they possess on the wing. The biggest question mark for the Super Eagles is the way they will defend. If they tighten up at the back, Nigeria have everything they need to get to the later stages of Morocco.

Algeria

Following a subpar performance in the last AFCON, Algeria are coming to 2025 with something to prove. Their older generation stars, led by Riyad Mahrez, are in need of redemption. This could also turn out to be the final AFCON for Mahrez.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic will have to vary slightly on their strategies by blending the experience with the younger talents such as Farès Chaïbi. Algeria can be one of the dark horses in this tournament in case they manage to rediscover the fluid, attacking football that made them win the title in 2019.

Other Strong Contenders

Of course, AFCON wouldn’t be AFCON without a few surprises. Other contenders like Cameroon, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast will also fight for top positions in the AFCON table. Cameroon’s physicality is one of their trademarks, and they are always dangerous in knockout matches. Ghana are currently undergoing a generational restructure despite the fact that talents such as Mohammed Kudus are demonstrating that the Black Stars can be restored to glory.

Although Côte d’Ivoire, the winner in the last edition, will come in as a dark horse. If they hit form at the right time, they would destabilise some of the favourites in a similar way to how they did in 2023.

Key Players Expected to Shine in AFCON 2025

Every AFCON creates players who rise to the occasion and carry their nations. AFCON 2025 will showcase both seasoned stars and rising talents ready to make an impact in Morocco.

Tactical Trends Shaping AFCON 2025

AFCON has never been merely about flair and passion; it is a tactical battlefield. AFCON 2025 will demonstrate that, as the teams integrate the European style of systems with their own African identity.

The Evolution of African Football Tactics

African football has travelled far. Teams have become smarter rather than working harder. The traditional concept of lying on physical strength alone is no more. We saw this evolution in the AFCON qualifiers. A large number of coaches who have experienced European football are introducing possession-based and structured football to the continent.

More attention is now being paid to ball control and tactical flexibility. The video analysis and analytics have now influenced the preparation in teams. It made the matches of AFCON more balanced, technical, and unpredictable.

Common Formations and Strategies Among Top Teams

The 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation is used by most teams as it enables them to transition between defence and attack within a short period of time.

Wing-backs play a big role too. Players Achraf Hakimi and Ola Aina are able to stretch out defences utilising their speed. Most of the sides prefer high pressing and fast counter-attacks, particularly against stronger opponents.

There will therefore be tactical diversity; build-up play and all-out pressing, depending on the style of each team.

The Role of Goalkeepers and Defensive Organisation

Defence is one of the major upgrades in African football. Gone are the days when the defence was chaotic.

Modern goalkeepers such as Andre Onana and Edouard Mendy behave as playmakers who initiate attacks. Defenders are more well-trained, as they play with zonal marking and compact shapes to prevent attackers.

This new discipline renders the AFCON matches more competitive and tactical where clean sheets can be equivalent to goals.

Predictions for AFCON 2025

As the AFCON 2025 approaches, fans are already making speculations. From continentals to possible dark horses, the Moroccan tournament is going to be full of drama and everlasting memories.

Tournament Favourites and Possible Surprises

Morocco heads into AFCON 2025 as the favourites backed by huge home fans' support. Senegal, the 2021 champions, and the record seven-time champions Egypt are strong competitors as well.

Ivory Coast and Nigeria will follow right behind, and Cameroon and Mali can become a surprise. The fact that Ghana failed to even qualify indicates how unpredictable the tournament is.

Semi-Final and Final Predictions

Form and depth-wise, probable semi-finalists are Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and either Ivory Coast or Nigeria. A final like Morocco vs Senegal or Egypt vs Morocco would be most realistic.

Golden Boot and MVP Contenders

In the case of the top scorer, Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah are in the lead. Osimhen has been lethal lately and Salah is the star of Egypt. Others such as Ademola Lookman and Ayoub El Kaabi, may also shine.

Sadio Mané and Achraf Hakimi are two personalities to be considered in the MVP race due to their leadership and reliability. Hakimi or Amrabat could take up the limelight should Morocco travel far.

Ultimately, the winner of the Golden Boot and of the MVP should be among the semi-finalists and the finalists, respectively. Keep up with AFCON news throughout the tournament for expert predictions and daily match analyses.

Beyond the Tournament: AFCON’s Lasting Impact

AFCON 2025 is not just about crowning a champion but rather about shaping the future of African football on and off the pitch.

Legacy of AFCON 2025 for African Football

AFCON 2025 will be a memorable experience for Morocco and the continent. The new stadiums, roads, and training facilities will enhance local football even after the final whistle. Hosting also brings employment, tourism and investment. The previous editions in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast created almost $1 billion and tens of thousands of jobs.

What is more important is that AFCON motivates the new generation. The African young people who will be watching their heroes play will have bigger dreams and several federations will channel that excitement into youth programs.

What AFCON 2025 Means for Global Football

Globally, AFCON 2025 will once again demonstrate the rising influence of Africa. Standout players will be under the attention of big clubs and scouts to earn them transfers to the leading European leagues.

Notably, the AFCON 2025 will be a reminder to the world that African football is no longer a follower; it is a leader, an inspirer and creates stars that can shine anywhere.

Wrap Up

AFCON 2025 is set to capture the spirit of African football once again with fierce competition and dazzling talent. With Morocco hosting and 24 nations dreaming of glory, fans can expect a tournament filled with drama and moments that will live long in football history.