The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025) will bring the continent’s biggest football spectacle to Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, uniting 24 national teams in a month-long celebration of African football, culture, and identity.
This edition stands apart in both timing and significance. For the first time in its history, AFCON will run across the Christmas and New Year period, following CAF’s decision to move the tournament from its traditional June–July slot.
The shift came after FIFA confirmed an expanded 32-team Club World Cup, forcing a rethink of the international calendar.
AFCON 2025 also marks Morocco’s second time as host, having previously staged the tournament in 1988.
It will be the 35th edition of Africa’s flagship men’s football competition and one of the most logistically ambitious yet, with matches spread across nine stadiums in six cities.
Beyond continental glory, the tournament carries global relevance. Seven of Africa’s nine confirmed qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will compete in Morocco, turning AFCON 2025 into a vital benchmark ahead of the world’s biggest sporting event in North America.
For Morocco, it also serves as a major test event before co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about AFCON 2025, including the full fixture schedule, key dates, teams to watch, players to follow, venues, broadcasting details, and the wider significance of the tournament.
What Is AFCON? A Brief Overview
The Africa Cup of Nations remains the premier international football tournament on the continent. CAF launched the competition in 1957, with just three teams.
Since then, AFCON has grown into a 24-team tournament watched by hundreds of millions worldwide.
AFCON blends elite football with deep cultural meaning. It represents national pride, identity, and opportunity, often reshaping careers and football narratives across Africa and beyond.
Many of the continent’s greatest players announced themselves on this stage before conquering Europe.
AFCON 2025 at a Glance
Key Facts
- Host nation: Morocco
- Dates: 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
- Teams: 24
- Venues: 9 stadiums
- Cities: 6
- Final venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Why AFCON 2025 Is Unique
A Historic Calendar Shift
AFCON 2025 breaks tradition by running through December and January.
Fans will experience top-level African football during the festive season, with packed stadiums and global television audiences.
A World Cup Dress Rehearsal
With Morocco preparing for the 2030 World Cup and several African teams already qualified for 2026, AFCON 2025 doubles as a competitive rehearsal at the highest level.
Expanded Infrastructure
Nine venues across six cities represent the largest geographic spread in AFCON history, highlighting Morocco’s investment in modern football infrastructure.
AFCON 2025 Venues and Host Cities
Morocco will stage matches in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Fes, with the capital hosting four venues alone.
Key Stadium
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat) – Final venue and centerpiece of the tournament
These venues combine modern design with football heritage, offering fans world-class facilities and strong atmospheres.
AFCON 2025 Mascot and Official Song
AFCON 2025 Mascot: Assad
CAF unveiled Assad, a young lion inspired by the historic Atlas lion, as the official mascot. His name means lion in Arabic and symbolizes strength, pride, unity, and leadership. Assad reflects Morocco’s heritage and the youthful energy of African football.
AFCON 2025 Official Song
The official AFCON song traditionally blends African rhythms with global appeal.
CAF plans to release the 2025 anthem shortly before kick-off, continuing a legacy of music that defines each tournament’s identity.
AFCON 2025 Key Dates
Tournament Timeline
- Clubs release players: 15 December 2025
- Group stage: 21 – 31 December 2025
- Round of 16: 3 – 6 January 2026
- Quarter-finals: 9 – 10 January 2026
- Semi-finals: 14 January 2026
- Third-place play-off: 17 January 2026
- Final: 18 January 2026
AFCON 2025 Groups
Group A
- Morocco (hosts)
- Mali
- Zambia
- Comoros
Group B
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Angola
- Zimbabwe
Group C
- Nigeria
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Tanzania
Group D
- Senegal
- DR Congo
- Benin
- Botswana
Group E
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sudan
Group F
- Ivory Coast (holders)
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- Mozambique
AFCON 2025 Full Match Schedule
Group Stage Fixtures
Sunday, 21 December 2025
- Morocco vs Comoros – 19:00
Monday, 22 December 2025
- Mali vs Zambia – 14:00
- South Africa vs Angola – 17:00
- Egypt vs Zimbabwe – 20:00
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
- DR Congo vs Benin – 12:30
- Senegal vs Botswana – 15:00
- Nigeria vs Tanzania – 17:30
- Tunisia vs Uganda – 20:00
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
- Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea – 12:30
- Algeria vs Sudan – 15:00
- Ivory Coast vs Mozambique – 17:30
- Cameroon vs Gabon – 20:00
Friday, 26 December 2025
- Angola vs Zimbabwe – 12:30
- Egypt vs South Africa – 15:00
- Zambia vs Comoros – 17:30
- Morocco vs Mali – 20:00
Saturday, 27 December 2025
- Benin vs Botswana – 12:30
- Senegal vs DR Congo – 15:00
- Uganda vs Tanzania – 17:30
- Nigeria vs Tunisia – 20:00
Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Gabon vs Mozambique – 12:30
- Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan – 15:00
- Algeria vs Burkina Faso – 17:30
- Ivory Coast vs Cameroon – 20:00
Monday, 29 December 2025
- Comoros vs Mali – 19:00
- Zambia vs Morocco – 19:00
- Angola vs Egypt – 16:00
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa – 16:00
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
- Tanzania vs Tunisia – 16:00
- Uganda vs Nigeria – 16:00
- Benin vs Senegal – 19:00
- Botswana vs DR Congo – 19:00
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
- Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria – 16:00
- Sudan vs Burkina Faso – 16:00
- Gabon vs Ivory Coast – 19:00
- Mozambique vs Cameroon – 19:00
Knockout Stage Schedule
Round of 16
- Saturday, 3 January 2026
- Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Monday, 5 January 2026
- Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Quarter-Finals
- Friday, 9 January 2026
- Saturday, 10 January 2026
Semi-Finals
- Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Third-Place Play-Off
- Saturday, 17 January 2026
Final
- Sunday, 18 January 2026
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Teams and Players to Watch at AFCON 2025
Morocco
The hosts carry heavy expectations. Morocco boast a golden generation and aim to win their first AFCON title since 1976. Achraf Hakimi remains central to their ambitions, fitness permitting.
Nigeria
The Super Eagles arrive desperate for redemption after losing the 2023 final. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lead a squad under pressure to deliver silverware.
Senegal
Champions in 2021, Senegal bring defensive strength and experience. Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gana Gueye anchor a disciplined side.
Ivory Coast
The defending champions shocked the continent in 2023. Under Emerse Faé, the Elephants seek to prove that triumph was no fluke.
Egypt
Seven-time champions Egypt chase glory with Mohamed Salah, who still seeks his first AFCON title.
Cameroon
Despite off-field turbulence, Cameroon remain dangerous, with Bryan Mbeumo expected to lead their attack.
Others to Watch
Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, and Burkina Faso all carry realistic hopes of deep runs.
How to Watch AFCON 2025 Live
AFCON 2025 will air across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with major broadcasters including beIN Sports, SuperSport, Channel 4, SABC Sport, and SNRT.
Coverage ensures global access, reflecting AFCON’s growing international appeal.
Why AFCON 2025 Will Define African Football
AFCON 2025 combines elite competition, historic venues, global relevance, and cultural celebration. It offers a platform for stars, emerging talents, and nations chasing legacy.
As Morocco prepares for the world stage and Africa’s best converge in one country, AFCON 2025 promises drama, quality, and unforgettable moments.
For fans, players, and nations alike, this tournament stands ready to shape the next chapter of African football history.
