Archive · 22 Dec 2025
AFCON 2025: Morocco Opens Tournament
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is starting in Morocco.
The opening match is between Morocco and Comoros.
Morocco is one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Egypt, with star player Mohamed Salah, will play their first match against Zimbabwe.
The tournament final will be on January 19, 2026.
Morocco has built new stadiums and is also set to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
The tournament mascot is a lion named Assad.
The AFCON will now be held every four years instead of every two years.
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 opens in Morocco with the host team, Morocco, playing against Comoros.
Morocco is among the favorites to win the tournament, which will conclude with the final on January 19, 2026.
Egypt, featuring Mohamed Salah, will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Morocco has invested heavily in infrastructure for the tournament and is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup.
The AFCON tournament cycle will change to a four-year cycle to align with the FIFA calendar.
- Who
- Morocco, Comoros, Egypt, Mohamed Salah, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon, Algeria
- What
- Opening of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025
- When
- Sunday, December 21, 2025 (opening match), Egypt's match on Monday, December 22, 2025, Final on January 19, 2026
- Where
- Rabat, Morocco (opening match), Agadir, Morocco (Egypt's match)
- Why
- Morocco is hosting the tournament and is among the favorites to win
- Tournament
- 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025
- Host Country
- Morocco
- Opening Match
- Morocco vs. Comoros
- Morocco's Rank
- 11th in the world
- Comoros's Rank
- 108th in the world
- Egypt's Opponent
- Zimbabwe
- Egypt's Match Location
- Agadir, Morocco
- Tournament Final
- January 19, 2026
- Tournament Mascot
- Assad (a lion)
- Tournament Cycle Change
- Moving to a four-year cycle
Sources
Egypt Coach Confident Mohamed Salah Will Shine At AFCON Despite Liverpool 'Crisis'
Morocco opens 35th Africa Cup of Nations with spectacular light show
Excitement building as Morocco prepares to open 35th Africa Cup of Nations against Comoros
