The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opened on Sunday evening with a dazzling opening ceremony in Rabat, as Morocco hosts the continent’s premier football tournament for the first time in 37 years.
A capacity crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium witnessed a cultural extravaganza that blended traditional Moroccan heritage with contemporary African music, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of football across six host cities.
The ceremony featured performances by global stars including French Montana, the Moroccan-born rapper raised in the United States, and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido. Producer RedOne, also of Moroccan origin, joined them in a headline performance titled “Le Show” that combined music, light and choreography.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan formally inaugurated the tournament alongside CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Comoros President Azali Assoumani was also in attendance, underscoring the event’s continental significance.
The ceremony opened with a fusion of African rhythms and traditional Moroccan sounds, as performers moved across the pitch in carefully choreographed patterns. Colour and light transformed the stadium, whilst visual projections drew inspiration from Moroccan zellige patterns and traditional crafts.
Giant screens showcased Morocco’s diverse landscapes and iconic cities including Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech, highlighting the tournament’s reach across the North African nation.
One particularly poignant moment featured a rendition of “Allah Ya Moulana”, performed by the legendary Moroccan group Nass El Ghiwane, anchoring the spectacle in cultural memory.
A central performer carrying a football-shaped map symbolised African unity, whilst Amazigh-inspired music underscored Morocco’s deep historical roots.
Dr Motsepe opened his address in Arabic with “Assalamu Alaikum” before thanking King Mohammed VI, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the Moroccan people for hosting the competition.
He praised Morocco’s passion for football and the country’s efforts in staging what organisers have promised will be the most ambitious AFCON in history.
FIFA President Infantino echoed these sentiments, welcoming Africa and the world to Morocco, describing it as “a country of football, passion and peace”.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will run until 18 January 2026, featuring 24 national teams competing across six host cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Fez and Agadir.
Nine stadiums will be utilised throughout the tournament, which Morocco is hosting for the first time since 1988. The opening ceremony preceded Morocco’s match against Comoros, which the hosts won 2-0 through goals from Brahim Diaz and Youssef El-Kaabi.
The tournament represents a significant moment for African football, with organisers combining elite competition with cultural storytelling on a continental scale.
