The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is now in full swing, with Morocco hosting the prestigious 24-nation tournament for the second time in its history. The competition, which kicked off on Sunday, 21 December 2025, sees the reigning champions, Ivory Coast, return to defend their crown against a field of continental heavyweights and ambitious challengers.
Tournament Format and Host Nation Shift
This edition of Africa's premier football event features 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two nations from each group will automatically advance to the knockout stage, joined by the best four third-placed teams, ensuring a fiercely competitive path to the final. Morocco stepped in as host after Guinea was stripped of its staging rights due to significant concerns over the country's infrastructure and facilities readiness.
The tournament is being played across nine stadiums in six host cities: the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier. This wide distribution promises to bring the festival of football to fans across the nation.
Group Stage Analysis and Key Fixtures
The group stage draw has produced several intriguing battles. In Group F, holders Ivory Coast face a stern test against Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Meanwhile, Nigeria, who were finalists in 2023, headline Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The host nation, Morocco, will compete in Group A with Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
The action commenced with the hosts securing an opening victory, as Morocco beat Comoros 2-0 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. The group stage will continue through to Wednesday, 31 December 2025, with matches taking place daily at various times.
Complete Afcon 2025 Group Stage Schedule (All times GMT)
Monday, 22 December 2025
Mali v Zambia | 14:00 | Casablanca
South Africa v Angola | 17:00 | Marrakech
Egypt v Zimbabwe | 20:00 | Agadir
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
DR Congo v Benin | 12:30 | Rabat
Senegal v Botswana | 15:00 | Tangier
Nigeria v Tanzania | 17:30 | Fes
Tunisia v Uganda | 20:00 | Rabat
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Burkina Faso v Equatorial Guinea | 12:30 | Casablanca
Algeria v Sudan | 15:00 | Rabat
Ivory Coast v Mozambique | 17:30 | Marrakech
Cameroon v Gabon | 20:00 | Agadir
The schedule continues with further group matches on 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 December.
Knockout Phase and Road to the Final
The tournament progresses to the round of 16, starting on Saturday, 3 January 2026. The knockout fixtures will be determined by the final group standings, with a complex system deciding which third-placed teams qualify and who they face.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January 2026, followed by the semi-finals. A third-place play-off will occur on Saturday, 17 January 2026 in Casablanca. The grand finale, where a new champion could be crowned or Ivory Coast could retain their title, is set for Sunday, 18 January 2026 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
With the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on the line, the coming weeks promise a spectacular display of skill, passion, and drama as the continent's best footballers compete for ultimate glory on Moroccan soil.
