Demonstration calling for reforms to the public health and education systems in Casablanca, October 6, 2025. ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT / AFP
The last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco left fans of the Atlas Lions with a bitter taste. On March 26, 1988, in Casablanca, their team finished fourth, losing to Algeria (1-1), their eternal rival, on penalties (4-3).
Morocco could have taken its revenge at home in 2015, but it withdrew from hosting the AFCON due to the Ebola outbreak and the risk of contamination linked to supporters traveling. This late decision angered the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF, African Football Confederation) and led to the tournament being relocated to Equatorial Guinea.
It took nearly four decades for Africa's most prestigious football tournament to return to Morocco, which will face Comoros in its opening match on Sunday, December 21, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat. Led by their superstar captain Achraf Hakimi – who may return for the opening match after an ankle injury – Morocco, ranked first among African teams in the FIFA rankings (11th overall) and a semifinalist in the 2022 World Cup, is hoping to succeed Côte d'Ivoire, the 2024 champion, by lifting the trophy in the final on January 18, 2026.
