RABAT, Morocco (AP) — The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this Sunday, with host Morocco aiming to showcase its growing ambitions as a global football contender.
The month-long tournament is seen as a major rehearsal ahead of Morocco’s role as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup. The country has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, boasting nine new or renovated stadiums across six cities for this year’s event.
Twenty-four teams from around Africa will compete, with Morocco considered a top favorite after its historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals.
Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, pulled off a stunning victory at home in the last edition, while Nigeria looks to improve on their runner-up finish. Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, returns after their 2021 triumph, and Egypt hopes speculation around Mohamed Salah’s future won’t distract from their quest for a record eighth title.
Here’s all you need to know about the 35th edition of the biennial tournament:
Why is Morocco hosting?
Guinea was initially awarded hosting rights for 2025 but lost them in 2022 due to insufficient facilities. Morocco stepped in after previously losing hosting rights in 2015. Notably, every AFCON since 2013 has been relocated from its original host. This edition was moved from summer to avoid a clash with FIFA’s new Club World Cup.
This tournament was initially meant to be played in the summer, but CAF agreed to postpone it so it wouldn’t clash with FIFA’s new Club World Cup competition.
CAF switched the Africa Cup to a summer schedule in 2017, effective from the 2019 tournament in Egypt. Then the 2021 tournament that was postponed a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic was switched to January because of the “unfavorable climatic conditions” during summer in host nation Cameroon.
Countries and groups
Morocco, champions in 1976, open against Comoros in Rabat’s 69,500-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Mali and Zambia rounding out Group A.
Group B features Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Nigeria leads Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Group D includes Senegal, Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
Algeria faces Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan in Group E.
Group F features Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Ghana, with four previous titles, did not qualify.
The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, move to the knockout stage..
Four-time winners Ghana didn’t qualify.
The top two in each group and the four best third-place teams will progress to the knockout stage.
Star players
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi’s face beams from — it seems — every advertising display sign in Rabat. Time will tell if he recovers from an ankle injury to feature for the team.
Salah will be the focus of attention in the Egypt camp amid speculation he could leave Liverpool after he vented his frustrations at his lack of playing time there. The 33-year-old Salah has never won the Africa Cup, but he went close in 2017 and 2022 when Egypt reached the finals.
Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s key player. The Galatasaray forward’s absence through injuries is a big reason the Super Eagles did not qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo will be key for Cameroon’s hopes, and Yan Diomande is expected to sparkle for Ivory Coast after his brilliant start to the season for German club Leipzig.
How to watch
AFCON matches will be broadcast on beIN Sports in the U.S., Canada, France, and other regions. In the UK, Channel 4 offers free coverage; Movistar in Spain, Sportdigital in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and Sport Italia in Italy round out the major broadcasters.
“AFCON is a fantastic international tournament that is only gaining greater recognition on the world footballing stage,” said Richard Verow, beIN’s chief sports officer.
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations promises high-stakes competition and global attention as Morocco sets the stage for African football’s future.
