2025: Morocco and Senegal Set for Historic Final in Rabat

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is reaching its climax in Morocco. After a month of high-octane football that began on December 21, 2025, the continent’s eyes are now fixed on the capital for the ultimate showdown.

The Grand Final: Details at a Glance

The final features a "dream match" between the host nation, Morocco, and the 2021 champions, Senegal.

• Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

• Location: Rabat, Morocco

• Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

• Kick-off Time: 20:00 Local Time (19:00 GMT)

• Expected Attendance: 69,500 (Sold out)

The Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has undergone significant renovations to serve as the crown jewel of this tournament. Located in Rabat, it is part of a massive sports complex and currently serves as the home ground for the Moroccan national team. With a capacity of nearly 70,000, it is expected to provide an electric atmosphere for the "Atlas Lions" as they seek their first AFCON title since 1976.

Road to the Final

Both teams have navigated a difficult path to reach the final:

• Morocco: The hosts topped Group A, then defeated Tanzania and Cameroon in the knockout stages. They secured their place in the final with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the semi-finals after a 0-0 draw.

• Senegal: The "Teranga Lions" showed why they are a continental powerhouse, topping Group D and overcoming Egypt 1-0 in their semi-final clash, fueled by a stellar tournament performance from Sadio Mané.

Tournament Overview

This edition of AFCON made history by being the first played during the Christmas and New Year period (December 2025 – January 2026) to avoid scheduling conflicts with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Host Cities and Venues

Morocco utilized 9 stadiums across 6 cities to host the 24 participating nations:

1. Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Final venue), Moulay Hassan Stadium, Al Barid Stadium, and the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

2. Casablanca: Stade Mohammed V (Host of the 3rd-place play-off).

3. Tangier: Ibn Batouta Stadium (The largest venue with a 75,000 capacity).

4. Agadir: Adrar Stadium.

5. Marrakech: Marrakesh Stadium.

6. Fez: Fez Stadium.

Third-Place Play-off

Before the final, the battle for the bronze medal will take place:

• Match: Nigeria vs. Egypt

• Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026

• Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Key Storylines

• Morocco’s Quest: Having not won the trophy since 1976, the pressure is on Walid Regragui’s side to deliver on home soil.

• Senegal’s Dominance: Senegal is looking to reclaim the throne they held in 2021, proving their consistency as the top-ranked African side in recent years.

• Star Performers: Morocco's Brahim Díaz currently leads the scoring charts with 5 goals, while Senegal's defense has been the tournament's most disciplined.

The 2025 AFCON has been a celebration of Moroccan culture and African football excellence, setting the stage for Morocco to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030.