Morocco wins bid to host AFCON 2025, 2027 hosts announced

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Morocco hosting rights for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). It has also approved a joint bid by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to host the 2027 edition of the continent football jamboree.

CAF awarded the hosting rights during an executive committee meeting held Wednesday, September 27, at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Morocco won the 2025 bid by default, after the withdrawal of Algeria and Zambia and a joint bid from Benin and Nigeria.

Morocco is also is also hoping to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain. The North African country last hosted the AFCON in 1988.

The country declined hosting the 2015 Cup of Nations over fears of the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa. CAF condemned the decision and banned the country from the 2015 African Cup of Nations, plus a fine of $1 million.

At the CAF EXCO meeting on Wednesday, the joint bid by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania defeated Senegal, Botswana and Egypt to host the 2027 continental game.

Kenya had previously been awarded the hosting right in 1996, but was stripped of it because of poor preparation. FIFA recently lifted a ban that was slammed on the country for its government’s interference in the running of the Kenya football federation.

“The tournament has to be spread around the regions and contribute to the development of football,” CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, said announcing Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as the 2027 hosts.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast is making final preparations to host the 2023 AFCON, which kicks off in Abidjan on January 13, 2024.

Five-time champion Cameroon is among the 24 teams that will be playing the competition. 

CAF announced that the official draws for AFCON 2023 will be held in Abidjan on October 12 at 19h00 GMT.