The group stage fixtures for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been confirmed following Monday’s draw in Rabat, Morocco.
Six West African nations—Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso—now know their path in the first round of the tournament, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Mali’s journey in Group A
Mali will begin their campaign on December 22 against Zambia at the Mohamed VI Stadium in Casablanca.
Four days later, they face hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat.
Their final group fixture comes on December 29, when they meet Comoros back in Casablanca.
Nigeria’s road in Group C
The Super Eagles open their tournament on December 23 against Tanzania at the Stade de Fez.
Their second fixture, on December 27, sees them take on Tunisia in the same venue. Nigeria concludes the group stage on December 30 against Uganda.
Senegal’s title bid in Group D
Defending champions Senegal will kick off their campaign on December 23 against Botswana at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier.
A much-anticipated clash with DR Congo follows on December 27, before the group finale against Benin on December 30.
Benin’s challenge in Group D
Benin starts their tournament on December 23 against DR Congo at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat.
They then meet Botswana on December 27 in the same venue before closing the group against Senegal on December 30 in Tangier.
Burkina Faso’s fixtures in Group E
Burkina Faso will begin their AFCON campaign on December 24 against Equatorial Guinea at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Their second match, against Algeria, takes place on December 28 in Rabat.
The Stallions will wrap up the group stage on December 31 against Sudan, returning to Casablanca.
Ivory Coast’s title defense in Group F
Reigning champions Ivory Coast start their tournament on December 24 against Mozambique at the Stade de Marrakech.
A heavyweight clash with Cameroon follows on December 28, before they take on Gabon on December 31, all in Marrakech.
Knockout stage schedule
- Round of 16: January 3–6, 2026
- Quarter-finals: January 9–10, 2026
- Semi-finals: January 14, 2026
- Third-place play-off: January 17, 2026
- Final: January 18, 2026
With fixtures set, the stage is now prepared for another thrilling edition of Africa’s biggest football tournament, as West African nations look to make their mark on the competition.
