AFCON 2025 in Morocco shapes up as a wide‑open tournament where holders Ivory Coast arrive with a target on their backs and a cluster of heavyweights – Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and Cameroon – all capable of dethroning them. The quality of squads, the depth of tactical ideas and the tournament’s expanded 24‑team format mean the question is no longer “Can anyone stop Ivory Coast?” but “Who will be brave enough to seize the moment when it comes?” Setting the stage in Morocco AFCON 2025 runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with 24 teams competing across six Moroccan cities and nine stadiums. The tournament keeps the now‑familiar structure of six groups of four, with the top two and the four best third‑placed teams reaching the round of 16, which often produces chaotic, upset‑filled knockout brackets. The hosts Morocco headline Group A with Mali, Zambia and Comoros, while Ivory Coast are drawn into a star‑studded Group F with Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique, ensu...
Pep Guardiola claims he has not ruled out signing a new contract with Manchester City. Guardiola's current contract is set to expire next summer, and he appeared to imply after leading City to a fourth consecutive Premier League triumph in May that next season could be his last at the club.
However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager hinted on Friday that his stint at the Etihad could be extended for a tenth year. During the club's pre-season tour of New York, the Spaniard discussed his future ahead of City's friendly versus AC Milan at Yankee Stadium. "When I leave, I will say I'm leaving, but I didn't say that," Guardiola, who has led City to six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, and a maiden Champions League title, told reporters.
"We'll see what happens. However, I will not rule out extending my contract. I'd like to stay because I really want to. "Nine years at the same club is an eternity. So I want to make sure it's the proper decision. Not only for me, but for the club and the players. "They continue to operate as they have for the past eight years, regardless of the opposition or the tournament, and this is what I need to see. I will not rule out extending my contract. I'd like to stay because I really want to.
Pep Guardiola
"I am certain that in eight more years, I will not stay! Both players and managers benefit from a refresher. "At the same time, we have had success and continue to win Premier Leagues, making it to the final stages, and competing in competitions such as the Champions League. "This is how I feel right now." When asked if he would like to travel to America next summer for the projected 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, Guardiola replied, "I would love to. "Yes, I would love to."
The 53-year-old also addressed the persistent talk surrounding goalkeeper Ederson, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months. Guardiola expressed doubt on Wednesday while reflecting on the status of the 30-year-old Brazil international, who has two years left on his contract. Two days later, though, the City manager was more open regarding his first-choice goalkeeper's future.
Guardiola added: "I sincerely hope Eddie will stay with us. "I'd want for him to stay. "I can't picture our processes succeeding in the last few seasons without him. He is a key figure in the locker room.
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