The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has entered its decisive knockout phase this weekend, and while the matches are being played hundreds of kilometres away in Morocco, the excitement is unmistakably alive in Paris.
Home to Europe’s largest African diaspora, the French capital and its surrounding region have become an extension of the tournament, where football, culture and commerce converge.
Star players such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen are drawing global attention with their performances. In Paris, their names echo through cafés, barber shops and community centres, where supporters gather to watch every decisive moment.
For many fans, AFCON is more than a football competition; it is a celebration of identity, heritage and shared pride across borders.
The Paris region hosts millions of residents with roots across Africa, from North and West Africa to Central and East Africa. During AFCON, these diverse communities find common ground in football.
National flags decorate windows, jerseys fill the streets and match days turn neighbourhoods into festive meeting points. In districts such as Château Rouge, La Goutte d’Or and parts of Seine-Saint-Denis, the atmosphere rivals that of stadiums in Morocco.
Small businesses have been quick to tap into the AFCON buzz. Café owners extend opening hours to broadcast late-night matches, while restaurants offer special menus inspired by competing nations.
Shops selling flags, scarves and team shirts report a sharp rise in sales as supporters proudly display their colours. For many entrepreneurs, the tournament provides a welcome economic boost at the start of the year.
“During AFCON, business doubles,” said Mamadou, who runs a café in northern Paris. “People come not just to watch football, but to be together. They eat, drink and celebrate.” His venue fills with fans from different countries, united by the drama of knockout football.
The knockout stage has intensified emotions. Each match now carries the weight of elimination, heightening tension and excitement. Cheers erupt with every goal, while moments of heartbreak are shared collectively.
Yet even rivalry is largely good-natured, reflecting the tournament’s role as a unifying force within the diaspora.
Beyond commerce and entertainment, AFCON also reinforces connections between Paris and the African continent. For younger generations born in France, the tournament offers a chance to engage with their roots and learn about different African nations through sport. For older fans, it is a reminder of home, tradition and continuity.
As AFCON progresses toward its final stages, Paris is set to remain in full celebration mode. Whether Morocco’s Hakimi shines on home soil, Salah leads Egypt deep into the tournament, or Osimhen powers Nigeria forward, the passion in Paris will mirror every twist and turn. In the City of Light, African football is not just watched — it is lived.