By Victor Kanayo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday announced the venue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw ceremony.
According to the continental football body, the draw ceremony will take place at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, 27 January 2025.
The final draw ceremony will see the 24 qualified teams divided into six first-round groups for the finals.
The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will advance to the Round of 16.
The AFCON 2025 finals are scheduled to run from Sunday, 21 December 2025, to Sunday, 16 January 2026.
Côte d’Ivoire are the defending champions of the biennial competition.
The Final Draw ceremony, a symbolic starting point for the tournament, will bring together the 24 qualified teams, dividing them into six first-round groups for the finals.
The event will gather leading figures in African football, heads of federations, international media, and sports legends, promising a star-studded night.
“A show at the crossroads of sport and culture. Sport and culture will intertwine to offer a grandiose show. This celebration will reflect the uniqueness of Moroccan culture and the excellence of the organisation of this 35th edition of Africa’s greatest football competition,” CAF’s statement added.
