Organisers of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 have begun allowing fans into selected matches free of charge after kick‑off to fill stadiums that have remained sparsely attended during the early group stage.
The 35th edition of the tournament, hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, has struggled to draw large crowds, particularly at matches not involving the host nation.
The initiative was first used during the Group F clash between Cameroon and Gabon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Agadir.
Despite persistent rain, thousands of supporters entered roughly 20 minutes after kick-off once organisers opened the gates without requiring tickets, boosting final attendance to 35,200 in a stadium with a capacity of over 45,000.
A similar scene occurred the previous day, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the Group D match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin in Rabat, where initial figures suggested a low turnout before crowds gradually filled the stands.
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CAF and local organisers said the measure aims to increase attendance, enhance the atmosphere inside stadiums, and give fans waiting outside a chance to experience the tournament, even if they did not purchase tickets in advance.
Morocco is using AFCON as part of preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, with organisers keen to showcase packed stadiums and vibrant fan engagement ahead of the global event.