Record Audience Growth for CAN Morocco 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, has remarkably demonstrated its growing global appeal. Preliminary data from independent agencies indicate that the tournament experienced a staggering 61% increase in viewership, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing sporting events worldwide, as announced in an official release by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The comprehensive report detailing these findings is expected to be published in the coming weeks by Nielsen, a leading global media research firm.
This surge in audience interest can largely be attributed to unprecedented worldwide coverage facilitated by major media platforms across Europe and several strategic markets. Notably, the United Kingdom and France have emerged as significant contributors to this growth, showcasing the tournament’s appeal beyond African borders. Furthermore, the collaboration between CAF and the sports marketing agency IMG has played a crucial role in expanding the tournament's broadcast reach. Since the 2023 edition, the number of international broadcasters has increased by 50%, making CAN Morocco 2025 the most widely broadcast event in the tournament's history.
Expanding Global Presence and Economic Impact
New broadcasting agreements have enabled unprecedented coverage in various countries, including Japan, China, South Korea, Mexico, Greece, and Colombia, thereby enhancing the tournament's presence in previously untapped markets. In South America, the enthusiasm for African football has been confirmed, with over 24 million viewers tuning in from Brazil and nearly 2 million from Mexico, highlighting the growth potential of African football in the region.
Simultaneously, CAF's distribution strategy, which includes the production of editorial content and match highlights, has significantly increased the visibility of commercial partners by over 65% in Europe and South America. From an economic perspective, the tournament has demonstrated robust performance, with media value for partners rising by 32% in Europe, while media rights revenues have surged by 35% across South American, European, and Asian markets.
Some national viewership figures exemplify this enthusiasm: over 3 million viewers in the United Kingdom watched the final on Channel 4, compared to more than 4 million in Germany. Emerging markets such as India are also showing promise, with streaming broadcasts attracting over 800,000 viewers. With these impressive results, CAN Morocco 2025 solidifies its status as a major player in global football competitions and underscores the increasing influence of African football on the international stage.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
