2025 AFCON is poised to take center stage in Morocco, assembling 24 elite teams that earned their berths through grueling qualifying campaigns. As the apex of African football, this tournament brings together the continent’s top talents, with defending champion Ivory Coast, host nation Morocco, seven-time winner Egypt, and 2022 World Cup semi-finalist Senegal spearheading the competitive field.
Elite Contenders & Group Stage Showdown Setup
These squads, alongside other qualified nations, will vie for the prestigious title over 29 days, promising thrilling clashes and intense rivalries that will captivate football fans worldwide. The 24 participating teams embody diverse football cultures across Africa, making this edition a vivid showcase of the continent’s football prowess.
The 24 teams are divided into 6 groups (Groups A to F) of 4 teams each, with the group stage adopting a single-round robin format. The grouping results, finalized at the draw ceremony in Rabat, have spawned several intriguing matchups, with Group A featuring host Morocco alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
Group B includes Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe; Group C consists of Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Group D comprises Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana; Group E has Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
Group F, dubbed the “Group of Death,” pairs defending champion Ivory Coast with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Each group’s dynamics add layers of excitement, setting the stage for fierce battles in the initial phase of the tournament.
Tournament Schedule & Landmark Details of 2025 AFCON
The 2025 AFCON kicks off on December 21, 2025 (local time), with the opening match between host Morocco and Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The group stage runs from December 21 to 31, followed by the knockout phase commencing on January 3, 2026.
The round of 16 concludes on January 6, with the quarter-finals scheduled for January 9-10 and the semi-finals on January 14. The third-place play-off will take place on January 17, and the final—where Africa’s football champion will be crowned—is set for January 18, 2026, at the same venue as the opening match.
Most matches will be held in the evening to early morning Beijing time, a scheduling choice tailored to global viewership, ensuring fans around the world can tune in to enjoy the thrilling action.
Notably, this edition marks the last AFCON to be held every two years, as CAF has announced a switch to a four-year cycle starting from 2028. Additionally, Morocco is hosting the tournament for the second time after 1988, utilizing 9 stadiums across 6 cities to ensure seamless operations.
With world-class stars like Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), and Sadio Mane (Senegal) in action, the 2025 AFCON is primed to be an unforgettable spectacle. The convergence of top-tier talent, historic tournament adjustments, and Morocco’s proven hosting capabilities further elevates the anticipation.
This unique combination of factors makes the 2025 AFCON a must-watch for football enthusiasts globally, as it promises to deliver both sporting excellence and historic significance for African football.
