FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Sunday praised Morocco’s hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the tournament as set to be an exceptional and historic edition of Africa’s flagship football competition.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Infantino said he was delighted to attend the launch of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, stressing that the tournament brings together all the elements needed to make it a landmark moment in the history of African football. He welcomed fans and officials to Morocco, describing the country as a land of football, passion and peace.
The FIFA chief also thanked King Mohammed VI for the warm reception, highlighting Morocco’s leading role in using sport as a bridge to strengthen ties between African nations and the rest of the world. He expressed full confidence in the success of the competition and wished good luck to the 24 teams taking part.
Infantino added that African and global audiences are set to enjoy an outstanding edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, concluding his remarks with words of encouragement ahead of the opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros.
For his part, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe expressed his deep gratitude to Morocco, praising the country’s leadership and people for their efforts in hosting the continental tournament. He extended special thanks to King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, the Moroccan government, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and its president Fouzi Lekjaa for their continued support of African football.
Motsepe reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to football as a tool for unity across the continent, despite cultural and social differences, describing Morocco as a successful model in this regard. He also recalled Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which he said elevated African football on the global stage.
The CAF president officially declared AFCON 2025 open, confirming that the tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with the opening match featuring Morocco against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
