AFCON Sees 61% Growth in Global Viewership, Says CAF

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a remarkable 61% growth in global viewership for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), positioning it among the fastest-growing sporting events worldwide. This information was disclosed through preliminary research figures released on CAF's website on Monday, ahead of a full report scheduled for publication in 2025.

The upcoming AFCON tournament will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The Senegal national football team is expected to defend its championship title, while the Morocco and Nigeria national football teams are anticipated to perform strongly.

The United Kingdom and France are identified as significant contributors to the tournament's audience growth. CAF has secured a 50% increase in international broadcast partnerships across major European markets, alongside new media deals in countries like Japan, China, South Korea, and Mexico, enhancing AFCON's global reach.

The tournament attracted 24 million viewers in Brazil and nearly two million in Mexico, indicating a growing audience in South America.