Football fans across the United Kingdom are set for a festive treat as the Africa Cup of Nations returns this December, with every single match of the tournament available to watch completely free of charge. Channel 4 has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the UK, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the 24-team competition from start to finish.
How to Watch AFCON 2025 in the UK
The broadcaster will utilise its main channel, digital sister stations, and its online streaming service to bring all the action to viewers. The standout Boxing Day clash featuring Mohamed Salah's Egypt against South Africa will be shown live on the primary Channel 4 channel. For the remainder of the group stage, matches will be broadcast on E4 or 4Seven, with every game also available to stream online via Channel 4's streaming platform.
The tournament kicks off on Sunday 21 December with hosts and favourites Morocco taking on Comoros. This match will be shown on E4 and via streaming. A packed schedule follows, featuring African powerhouses like Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, and the defending champions, Ivory Coast.
Full Group Stage Broadcast Schedule
The opening week promises a feast of football. Key fixtures include:
- Sunday 21 December, 19:00: Morocco v Comoros (E4 / Streaming)
- Monday 22 December, 20:00: Egypt v Zimbabwe (4Seven / Streaming)
- Friday 26 December, 15:00: Egypt v South Africa (Channel 4 / Streaming)
- Sunday 28 December, 20:00: Ivory Coast v Cameroon (4Seven / Streaming)
For some concurrent final group matches on 29, 30, and 31 December, Channel 4 will show one game on 4Seven and stream the other live on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of the decisive action.
Tournament Favourites and Defending Champions
Morocco enters the competition as the team to beat, carrying the dual pressure of being tournament hosts and pre-competition favourites. Their strong recent performances on the world stage have cemented their status. They are closely followed by the likes of Senegal, with defending champions Ivory Coast also expected to challenge strongly.
The Ivory Coast team will begin their title defence on Wednesday 24 December against Mozambique, hoping to replicate their triumph from two years ago when they beat Nigeria in the final on home soil. This year's tournament, spread across the festive period, offers UK viewers a unique opportunity to enjoy top-tier international football without any subscription cost.
With Channel 4's multi-platform coverage, accessing the Africa Cup of Nations has never been easier for supporters in the UK, setting the stage for a thrilling month of African football.
