Morocco gears up for AFCON 2025 opening ceremony cultural showcase

Morocco is buzzing with anticipation as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with the host nation promising a vibrant cultural display before the first whistle.

From jerseys and paraphernalia lining the streets to fan parks ready for action, the atmosphere in Casablanca and other host cities reflects the country’s readiness for Africa’s biggest football tournament.

Morocco is hosting the event for the second time, having last staged it in 1988.

Almost all 24 participating teams have arrived in their respective host cities, across Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier.

Global music stars French Montana and Davido are set to headline a concert at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat on Saturday, a day before the tournament begins.

The show aims to highlight youth and cultural diversity across the continent and celebrate African unity and music creativity with urban sounds, Afrobeats, pop and traditional rhythms.

For Moroccan fans, the stakes are high.

The Atlas Lions, who last lifted the trophy in 1976, are chasing a second title in what many see as a “now or never” moment for the team amid the numerous successes chalked up in recent times, including the FIFA Arab Cup win earlier in the week.

Source: GNA