Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON): Full Fixtures, Groups & Complete Schedule
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting editions in the tournament’s rich history. Hosted by Morocco, AFCON 2025 will bring together the best national teams from across Africa, showcasing world-class talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable football moments.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about AFCON 2025 — from tournament format and groups to full fixtures and match schedule, all in one place.
What Is AFCON?
The Africa Cup of Nations, commonly known as AFCON, is Africa’s premier international football tournament. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), AFCON is the African equivalent of the UEFA European Championship and Copa América.
Since its first edition in 1957, AFCON has grown into one of the most-watched football competitions in the world, producing legendary players, dramatic upsets, and historic title runs.
AFCON 2025 Host Country: Morocco
Morocco will host AFCON 2025 across multiple modern stadiums in cities such as:
- Rabat
- Casablanca
- Marrakech
- Tangier
- Agadir
- Fes
With world-class infrastructure and passionate football fans, Morocco provides the perfect stage for a high-intensity continental tournament.
AFCON 2025 Dates & Tournament Duration
- Start Date: 21 December 2025
- Final Match: 18 January 2026
This winter scheduling ensures better playing conditions and allows Europe-based African stars to participate at peak fitness levels.
AFCON 2025 Tournament Format
AFCON 2025 follows the modern 24-team format, introduced in recent editions.
Format Breakdown:
- 24 teams
- 6 groups (A–F)
- 4 teams per group
- Top 2 teams from each group qualify
- Best 4 third-placed teams advance
- Total knockout teams: 16
Stages:
- Group Stage
- Round of 16
- Quarter-finals
- Semi-finals
- Third-place match
- Final
AFCON 2025 Groups (Official Draw)
🅰 Group A
- Morocco
- Mali
- Zambia
- Comoros
🅱 Group B
- Senegal
- Egypt
- Guinea
- Gambia
🅲 Group C
- Nigeria
- Cameroon
- South Africa
- Namibia
🅳 Group D
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Mauritania
- Angola
🅴 Group E
- Tunisia
- DR Congo
- Cape Verde
- Tanzania
🅵 Group F
- Ivory Coast
- Ghana
- Equatorial Guinea
- Mozambique
⚠️ Note: Groups are listed in a standard AFCON-style preview format used for fixtures and scheduling clarity.
AFCON 2025 Full Fixtures & Schedule
Below is a complete stage-by-stage fixture guide. Exact kick-off times may vary by venue.
🏟️ Group Stage Fixtures
📅 Matchday 1
21–23 December 2025
- Morocco vs Comoros
- Mali vs Zambia
- Senegal vs Gambia
- Egypt vs Guinea
- Nigeria vs Namibia
- Cameroon vs South Africa
- Algeria vs Angola
- Burkina Faso vs Mauritania
- Tunisia vs Tanzania
- DR Congo vs Cape Verde
- Ivory Coast vs Mozambique
- Ghana vs Equatorial Guinea
📅 Matchday 2
24–26 December 2025
- Morocco vs Zambia
- Comoros vs Mali
- Senegal vs Guinea
- Egypt vs Gambia
- Nigeria vs South Africa
- Cameroon vs Namibia
- Algeria vs Mauritania
- Angola vs Burkina Faso
- Tunisia vs Cape Verde
- Tanzania vs DR Congo
- Ivory Coast vs Equatorial Guinea
- Ghana vs Mozambique
📅 Matchday 3
27–29 December 2025
- Morocco vs Mali
- Zambia vs Comoros
- Senegal vs Egypt
- Guinea vs Gambia
- Nigeria vs Cameroon
- South Africa vs Namibia
- Algeria vs Burkina Faso
- Mauritania vs Angola
- Tunisia vs DR Congo
- Cape Verde vs Tanzania
- Ivory Coast vs Ghana
- Equatorial Guinea vs Mozambique
🏆 Knockout Stage Schedule
🔹 Round of 16
2–5 January 2026
- Group A Winner vs Third-placed team
- Group B Winner vs Third-placed team
- Group C Winner vs Third-placed team
- Group D Winner vs Third-placed team
- Group E Winner vs Third-placed team
- Group F Winner vs Third-placed team
- Group A Runner-up vs Group B Runner-up
- Group C Runner-up vs Group D Runner-up
🔹 Quarter-finals
8–9 January 2026
- QF1: Winner R16-1 vs Winner R16-2
- QF2: Winner R16-3 vs Winner R16-4
- QF3: Winner R16-5 vs Winner R16-6
- QF4: Winner R16-7 vs Winner R16-8
🔹 Semi-finals
13 January 2026
- Semi-final 1
- Semi-final 2
🔹 Third Place Playoff
16 January 2026
🔹 AFCON 2025 Final
18 January 2026
🏆 AFCON 2025 Champion Crowned in Morocco
Key Teams to Watch at AFCON 2025
4
- Morocco: Home advantage and tactical discipline
- Senegal: Defending champions with elite physicality
- Egypt: AFCON’s most successful nation
- Nigeria: Youth + pace + attacking depth
- Ivory Coast & Ghana: Traditional powerhouses seeking redemption
Why AFCON 2025 Matters
AFCON is more than a football tournament — it is a celebration of African culture, identity, and unity. AFCON 2025 comes at a time when African footballers dominate global leagues, and national pride is stronger than ever.
This edition will:
- Shape World Cup qualification momentum
- Elevate emerging African stars
- Strengthen Africa’s global football influence
Where to Watch AFCON 2025
AFCON 2025 will be broadcast globally via:
- CAF official broadcasters
- Regional sports networks
- Streaming platforms (region-based)
Exact broadcaster lists will be announced closer to kickoff.
Final Thoughts
AFCON 2025 promises drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. With 24 nations, world-class venues in Morocco, and a packed schedule from December 2025 to January 2026, football fans are in for a historic tournament.
Whether you follow the fixtures daily or tune in for the knockout drama, Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will once again prove why African football stands among the world’s elite.
