The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded Morocco the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision, announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe in September 2024, came after the original host nation, Guinea, was stripped of the tournament in 2022 due to significant infrastructure delays and concerns over preparedness.
CAF's executive committee withdrew the hosting rights from Guinea in October 2022, citing a lack of suitable infrastructure and the inability to meet the required deadlines. This opened a bidding process for a new host. Morocco, which had previously bid for the 2025, 2027, and 2029 tournaments, was the sole candidate to replace Guinea and was formally approved.
This will be the second time Morocco hosts the continental championship, having previously staged the tournament in 1988. The North African nation has invested heavily in modern stadiums and infrastructure, including venues used for the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup. Algeria had also expressed interest in hosting but did not submit a formal bid before the deadline.
The awarding of the tournament to Morocco represents a significant diplomatic and sporting achievement for the country. It follows Morocco's successful co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, further cementing its status as a major football hub on the continent.
