Morocco prepares to stage an unprecedented Christmas edition of the Africa Cup of Nations as the continent’s premier football tournament kicks off on December 21st at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The 35th edition marks the first time Afcon will be contested during the festive period, creating both excitement and logistical challenges across the football world.
The tournament structure features 24 nations divided into six groups, with hosts Morocco heading Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Defending champions Ivory Coast face a formidable challenge in Group F against five-time winners Cameroon, while Group D presents an intriguing clash between Senegal and DR Congo. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah continues his quest for continental glory in Group B against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Significant infrastructure investment precedes the tournament, with Morocco utilizing nine renovated stadiums across six host cities. The capital Rabat boasts four venues, including the 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium that will host the final on January 18th. These developments serve as preparation for Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Controversy surrounds player availability, with FIFA mandating a December 15th release date – seven days later than standard tournament protocols. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet condemned the decision as “catastrophic” for preparation time, accusing European clubs of disrespect toward African football. Premier League clubs face particular challenges, with players like Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) potentially missing critical domestic fixtures.
Morocco enters as overwhelming favorites, riding an unprecedented 18-match winning streak in international football. The Atlas Lions have scored 50 goals while conceding only four during their 20-month unbeaten run. Other contenders include Senegal (2021 champions), Algeria, Egypt, and a resurgent DR Congo squad that impressed during World Cup qualifying.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from each group plus four best third-placed sides advance to knockout stages beginning January 3rd. Daily fixtures throughout the group stage promise a football-filled holiday season, with matches scheduled at 12:30, 15:00, 17:30, and 20:00 GMT through December 31st.