Which major soccer tournament for African nations began in Morocco on December 21, 2025?

The major soccer tournament for African nations commencing in Morocco on December 21, 2025, is indeed the Africa Cup of Nations. This prestigious biennial competition, often referred to as AFCON, brings together the continent's top national teams to vie for continental glory. The 2025 edition marks the 35th iteration of the tournament.

Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on September 27, 2023, following the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip Guinea of the hosting duties due to concerns over their preparedness. This will be a historic occasion for Morocco, as it's only the second time the nation has hosted the tournament, with the first instance being in 1988. The host nation is set to kick off the tournament against Comoros in the opening match.

Scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, this particular tournament marks a significant shift in scheduling. It will be the first time the Africa Cup of Nations is held across the Christmas and New Year period, a change primarily implemented to avoid a clash with the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament will feature 24 teams competing across nine venues in six Moroccan cities, culminating in the final match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.