The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to enter its decisive knockout stage as the Round of 16 ushers in high-stakes football across the continent.
Matches in the Round of 16 will take place between 3 and 6 January 2026, with the quarter-finals scheduled for 9 and 10 January. The competition will then progress to the semi-finals on 13 January, before reaching its climax with the final in Rabat on 18 January, where the new African champions will be crowned.
Sixteen teams have secured their places in the Round of 16, representing a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 teams:
Algeria
Nigeria
Egypt
South Africa
Morocco
Mali
Tunisia
Senegal
DR Congo
Benin
Tanzania
Burkina Faso
Sudan
Côte d’Ivoire
Cameroon Mozambique.
With the margins for error now razor-thin, the knockout phase promises intense battles as nations chase continental glory.
