The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has officially shattered all previous attendance records, cementing its status as a landmark event for continental football.
Following the conclusion of the quarter-final stage on January 10, 2026, official reports confirm that a staggering 1,116,959 spectators have passed through the gates of the nine host stadiums across Morocco. This unprecedented figure represents the highest live audience ever recorded since the tournament’s inception, highlighting the immense success of the Moroccan hosting strategy and the passionate engagement of African football fans.
The surge in numbers has been driven by consistently packed venues and a string of high-profile matchups. While the host nation, the Atlas Lions, has consistently played to sold-out crowds at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, other venues have also seen massive turnouts. In Agadir, the clash between Egypt and South Africa drew over 40,000 fans, while the Grande Stade in Tangier welcomed 41,672 spectators for the match between Senegal and DR Congo. Additionally, more than 35,000 fans attended the Ivory Coast-Cameroon fixture in Marrakech, where another 32,452 supporters later gathered to watch Nigeria eliminate Algeria in a tense quarter-final battle.
Beyond the atmosphere in the stands, the competition on the pitch has been equally historic. The tournament has already reached the milestone of 119 goals scored, matching the total tally of the entire previous edition with several matches still remaining. This combination of clinical finishing and massive public interest has elevated the 2025 edition to a new level of global prominence.
The total attendance is expected to climb significantly higher as the tournament moves into its final and most anticipated phase. Fans are now preparing for two blockbuster semi-final encounters: Morocco versus Nigeria in Rabat and Egypt versus Senegal in Tangier. With the third-place playoff in Casablanca and the grand final set for January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the 35th AfCON is poised to set a final attendance benchmark that may stand for decades to come.
AK/ac/fss/abj/APA