AFCON 2025 ticket sales surge as CAF confirms 28-player squads

Wednesday 26th November 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Demand for AFCON 2025 ticket sales continues to surge as the Confederation of African Football opens the third phase of online sales for the Morocco tournament. CAF says 298,000 tickets have already been sold across the first two phases, with strong interest from fans in 33 African countries and more than 100 nations worldwide. Morocco and Algeria group-stage matches sold out quickly in earlier windows, reflecting intense regional enthusiasm.

Alongside the new AFCON 2025 ticket sales round, CAF has confirmed that teams will name 28-player squads for the competition, up from previous limits. The body also released the final tournament calendar, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 and features 24 qualified teams. Moreover, federations must submit their final squads ten days before kick-off, giving coaches limited time to assess late fitness issues.

CAF officials said the extended squads will help teams manage the risk of injuries, suspensions and club-versus-country tensions. In addition, they expect the expanded player lists to give more home-based and young talents a chance to feature on Africa’s biggest football stage. Organisers urged fans to use authorised platforms only, warning that counterfeit tickets and unauthorised resellers remain a concern.

Logistics and expectations around AFCON 2025 ticket sales

Tournament planners are working with Moroccan authorities to manage stadium access, security and transport as AFCON 2025 ticket sales climb. Host cities are preparing fan zones and public viewing areas to accommodate supporters without match tickets. However, officials cautioned that late buyers may struggle to secure seats for high-profile fixtures if current demand continues.

Why it matters for Africa

AFCON remains one of Africa’s most powerful cultural and economic events. Strong AFCON 2025 ticket sales signal robust confidence in the tournament’s appeal and Morocco’s hosting plans. Full stadiums generate broadcastable atmosphere, which boosts global viewership and commercial value. They also support local businesses around venues, from hotels to informal vendors. Furthermore, the move to 28-player squads can deepen national-team pools and showcase more African talent to scouts and clubs worldwide, reinforcing the continent’s role as a key source of football stars.