Twenty-four teams, six host cities, nine stadiums and a football-mad nation are ready to welcome the continent for Africa's biggest tournament.

Rabat

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has kicked off in Morocco, marking the country's first time hosting the tournament in 37 years. The event features 24 teams competing in six cities and nine stadiums, with local fans showing strong support despite challenging weather conditions.

Morocco, which last won the AFCON in 1976, is aiming for a second title. The opening match is set to take place at the Moulaï-Abdallah stadium, with uncertainty surrounding the participation of star player Achraf Hakimi due to injury. The tournament's group stage marks the beginning of the journey for all teams involved.

AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco

Ready, set, AFCON. It's opening day in Morocco. After months of preparations, the Africa Cup of Nations finally kicks off today. 24 teams, 6 cities, 9 stadiums and a nation ready to welcome the continent. 37 years after last hosting, Morocco is back at the heart of African football and the countdown is over. The journey to the trophy starts in the group stage. Well, the journey begins today, let's take a closer look at the action. A sweet melody before the madness. At the inaugural concert of the huge fan zone of Rabat, the atmosphere rises quietly. Despite the cold and the unusual rain for a can, the Moroccan fans are already hot. At the heart of the tension, the star Achraf Hakimi, injured at the ankle in early November, his participation in the opening match remains uncertain. But the captain prefers to highlight the collective strength to overcome this pressure. We know the responsibility we have, it is a positive responsibility that motivates us to be ready for this competition. A more relaxed atmosphere in the Moroccan camp, without complexes, before starting the second Africa Cup of Nations in its history. We missed the can in Côte d'Ivoire, it was sad, but today we proved once again that we have the level to be in this can. It is a pride for all the Comorian people, despite the fact that we are a small country. The players will face the Moulaï-Abdallah stadium and its 70,000 supporters, almost all of whom are awarded the Lions of the Atlas. Karim Baldé, Africa News, Rabat. Well, that's a taste of the excitement ahead. Morocco is hosting AFCON 2025, chasing a second title since it won it in 1976 in Ethiopia. The question now is whether the trophy can finally come back home. The opening game kicks off tonight at 8pm CET. Stay tuned.

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Bekkersdal

At least nine people killed in South Africa pub shooting

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Washington

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Islamabad

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Caracas

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Justice Department releases more Epstein documents Saturday

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Damascus

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Taipei City

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Providence

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Washington County

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Kyiv

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Moscow

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Salem

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Beijing

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Brussels

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Rio de Janeiro

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Breakdown