AFCON 2025 Drives Passion, Drama and New Viewing Trends

Doha, Qatar – January 08, 2026:

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 continues to reaffirm its status as one of the world’s most captivating and unpredictable football tournaments. As the competition advances into its decisive stages, its influence is extending far beyond the pitch—reshaping how audiences across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) consume and engage with live sport.

From dramatic penalty shoot-outs to fiercely contested knockout encounters, AFCON 2025 has delivered edge-of-the-seat football that keeps fans deeply invested. Egypt secured a convincing 3–1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16 to book their place in the quarter-finals, while Algeria also progressed, reinforcing the tournament’s remarkable depth of talent. Host nation Morocco advanced after a hard-fought, narrow win against Tanzania, as Tunisia’s journey came to a heartbreaking end following a tense penalty shoot-out—underscoring the razor-thin margins that define AFCON football.

Beyond the on-field action, audience behaviour data from TOD highlights a compelling shift in sports consumption across the MENA region. Smart TVs have emerged as the primary device for AFCON viewership, followed closely by smartphones, indicating a renewed preference for immersive, big-screen and communal viewing experiences for premium live sports. Rather than replacing traditional habits, streaming platforms are increasingly complementing them, offering fans flexibility without sacrificing the shared excitement of live football.

From a commercial standpoint, AFCON Morocco 2025 has played a significant role in driving new subscriptions across key markets. According to John-Paul McKerlie, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at TOD MENA, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are leading in new customer acquisition, reflecting the tournament’s deep cultural and footballing resonance across North Africa. TOD has also recorded strong direct-to-consumer engagement in the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, and Qatar—markets characterised by high digital adoption and a growing appetite for premium sports content.

Egypt has emerged as TOD’s strongest Country Pass market during the tournament, followed by Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This trend signals increasing demand for localised, tournament-driven subscription offerings that align closely with regional fan passion and national pride.

As AFCON Morocco 2025 continues to deliver unforgettable moments on the pitch, its broader impact is becoming increasingly evident off it—reshaping viewing preferences, strengthening fan engagement, and reinforcing the value of premium live sports across the MENA region.