The bookmakers have decided. Morocco is the big favorite for CAN 2025, which will be held at home from December 21 to January 18, 2026. With odds oscillating between 3.60 and 3.75, the Atlas Lions are well ahead of Algeria and Egypt (7.00), as well as Senegal (7.50). This confidence does not come out of nowhere. Morocco is riding a historic series of sixteen consecutive victories, an absolute world record which exceeds the fifteen successes achieved by Spain between 2008 and 2009. Fifty goals scored, four conceded. A defense of granite, an attack of fire. And above all, a golden generation which has never seemed so close to erasing forty-nine years of famine.
Why Morocco is already champion in the minds
The bookmakers have decided. With a rating oscillating between 3.60 and 3.75, Morocco is well ahead of Algeria and Egypt (7.00), as well as Senegal (7.50). This confidence does not come out of nowhere. It is based on objective criteria: home advantage, an undefeated streak since June 2024, and a squad which mixes experience and youth with a rare balance. Achraf Hakimi, favorite for the African Ballon d'Or, embodies leadership. Hamza Igamane, nicknamed the “Moroccan Ronaldo” by Marca, explodes in Ligue 1 with seven goals in just 378 minutes. Youssef En-Nesyri, Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss, Nayef Aguerd: the talent pool has never been so deep.
Morocco has not won the CAN since 1976. Forty-nine years of scarcity, frustrations, disillusionment. The unique title, won in Ethiopia against Guinea, still haunts memories. Since then, nothing. A premature elimination in the round of 16 during CAN 2024 against South Africa reignited the pain. But this generation is different. It reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, beat Nigeria in qualifying, and has just seen its U20s become world champions in Chile in October 2025. A historic victory against Argentina in the final which illustrates the depth of the Moroccan breeding ground.
Can Morocco finally win the CAN at home?
The home factor, a decisive weapon
Playing at home changes everything. Ivory Coast proved it in 2024 by lifting the trophy at home. Morocco will play its matches in brand new venues in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Fez and Agadir. The public will be galvanized, the infrastructures among the most modern on the continent. The draw for group A (Mali, Zambia, Comoros) is relatively favorable. Everything is in place for the Atlas Lions to transform this promise into a coronation. Walid Regragui, architect of the historic semi-final in Qatar, knows how to handle pressure. Its players, eleventh in the FIFA rankings and the first Africans qualified for the 2026 World Cup, have proven that they know how to perform in major events.
Morocco has already won the battle of hearts. It now remains to transform this promise into a trophy. The bookmakers, who are rarely wrong over time, have made their choice. The numbers speak for themselves. Sixteen victories in a row, an exceptional generation, a devoted public, an experienced coach. If this CAN was a bet, we would have to bet on Morocco. And if trends continue, the Atlas Lions could well roar with happiness on January 18, 2026 in Rabat. The title is perhaps categorical. But he's not totally crazy.
