In a highly anticipated decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared that Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The announcement comes after a competitive bidding process that saw Morocco emerge victorious over Algeria, Nigeria, Benin, Zambia, and Guinea in the race to host the 35th edition of the prestigious tournament.
Originally, the hosting rights for the 2025 AFCON were awarded to Guinea. However, last year, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe revealed that Guinea had been disqualified as the host due to insufficient progress and delays in tournament preparations. Consequently, a new process was initiated to select a replacement host.
On September 27, 2023, CAF revealed the new host, granting Morocco the privilege of hosting the tournament. With a little over a year to prepare, Morocco is expected to embark on comprehensive preparations to ensure the success of the event.
Morocco has established itself as a capable host for high-profile international tournaments in recent years. Notably, they hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 and are set to host the upcoming edition in 2024. The country has also welcomed the FIFA Club World Cup and the U-2023 Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing its prowess in organizing major sporting events.
In addition to Morocco’s selection as the host for the 2025 AFCON, it has been announced that the 2027 edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This decision signifies Africa’s commitment to spreading the tournament’s impact across the continent and underscores the growing interest and investment in football in various African nations.
The awarding of the hosting rights to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON is a testament to the nation’s capacity to host world-class sporting events and reinforces its status as a prominent destination for international football tournaments. As preparations begin, football enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate what promises to be a thrilling and memorable edition of the AFCON.
