The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, hosted by Morocco, has become the most digitally engaged continental football tournament in history, generating 6.1 billion digital impressions and 5.2 billion video views across social media platforms, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Wednesday.
CAF’s official post-tournament digital report revealed that the competition attracted 8.5 million new followers across its channels, while total engagements reached 285 million. TikTok emerged as the dominant platform for fan-generated content, with more than one million videos created under the official tournament hashtag. Supporters used the app to share creative goal celebrations, tactical analyses, humorous skits, music remixes, and fashion inspired by the championship atmosphere.
“The milestone positions Africa’s flagship football event at the very top of global digital engagement, surpassing every comparable continental tournament in history,” CAF stated in its report released January 29, 2026.
The digital surge was particularly pronounced among the African diaspora, where CAF content crossed borders, languages, and cultures at unprecedented speed. The confederation highlighted that the tournament’s online success reflects its strategic focus on innovation, fan interaction, and expanding global reach.
“The digital success of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 reflects CAF’s continued commitment to innovation, fan engagement, and global growth,” the statement read. “With record-setting numbers and a vibrant online community, the tournament has set a new benchmark for how football in Africa is experienced, shared and celebrated around the world.”
The unprecedented digital performance complements Morocco’s successful hosting, which delivered significant economic benefits. Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ryad Mezzour, told Spanish news agency EFE that direct revenues from AFCON 2025 exceeded €1.5 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), covering about 80% of the infrastructure investment required for the country’s co-hosting role in the 2030 FIFA World Cup (shared with Spain and Portugal).
The tournament, held from December 2025 to January 2026, saw Morocco reach the final before losing to Senegal in a dramatic penalty shootout. The event featured record attendance at stadiums, widespread television coverage, and massive online participation, contributing to CAF’s growing influence in global football.
CAF credited the success to strategic partnerships, enhanced content production, and the increasing digital penetration across Africa and the diaspora. The confederation noted that TikTok’s short-form video format proved especially effective in capturing the tournament’s energy and cultural vibrancy.
The report also acknowledged the role of official broadcasters, sponsors (including title sponsor TotalEnergies), and fan communities in amplifying reach. Morocco’s modern stadium infrastructure, efficient organisation, and warm hospitality were frequently praised in online content, further boosting positive sentiment.
The digital figures position AFCON 2025 ahead of previous continental tournaments and many global sporting events in terms of social media engagement. CAF said the results reinforce its ambition to position African football as a major force in the global sports and entertainment industry.
