Morocco, a 2022 World Cup semifinalist, will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and compete in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, following Monday’s draw.
The tournament, scheduled for Dec. 21 to Jan. 18, marks Morocco’s biggest soccer event ahead of co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup as the first African team to reach the semifinals, defeating Spain and Portugal before falling to France.
However, Morocco will look to improve upon its last Africa Cup performance, where it was eliminated in the round of 16 by South Africa.
Defending champion Ivory Coast, which hosted and won the last tournament, was drawn into Group B alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.
Nigeria, last year’s runner-up, will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C. The Super Eagles, led by star forwards Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, aim to reclaim the title.
In Group D, Egypt, captained by 33-year-old Mohamed Salah, will seek its first Africa Cup title since 2010. The Pharaohs will face South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Senegal, the 2021 champion, will play in Group E against Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Meanwhile, Algeria, the 2019 champion, is in Group F with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
Matches will be held in six Moroccan cities: Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier.
The tournament’s schedule, starting earlier than usual in mid-December, ensures players can return to their European clubs in time for the UEFA Champions League in late January. Six months later, many of these players will compete in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Africa will have nine direct berths in the 2026 World Cup.