Complete breakdown of AFCON 2025 groups, draw results, match schedules, and analysis. All 24 teams, fixtures, venues, and paths to the final in Morocco.
The AFCON 2025 draw has been completed, setting the stage for an epic tournament across Morocco's world-class stadiums. With 24 teams divided into 6 groups, the competition promises thrilling matches from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Tournament Format: 24 teams | 6 groups of 4 | Top 2 + 4 best third-placed teams advance to Round of 16
AFCON 2025 Groups Overview
Group A
| Team | FIFA Rank | Previous Best | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇲🇦 Morocco (Host) | 13 | Winner (1976) | Hakimi, Ziyech, En-Nesyri |
| 🇲🇱 Mali | 51 | Runner-up (1972) | Traoré, Haidara |
| 🇿🇲 Zambia | 87 | Winner (2012) | Daka, Banda |
| 🇹🇿 Tanzania | 110 | Group Stage | Samatta, Msuva |
Group A Venues:
- Opening Match: Morocco vs. Mali — Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat (Dec 21, 69,500 capacity)
- Additional matches at Rabat stadiums
Analysis: Morocco enters as heavy favorites in front of home crowds. Mali poses the biggest threat with their physical style. Zambia's 2012 champions return, while Tanzania makes a rare appearance.
Key Match: Morocco vs. Mali (Opening Match) — Sets the tone for the entire tournament
Group B
| Team | FIFA Rank | Previous Best | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 36 | Winner (7×) | Salah, Elneny, Trezeguet |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | 64 | Winner (4×) | Kudus, Partey, A. Ayew |
| 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | 73 | Quarter-finals | Mendes, Tavares |
| 🇲🇿 Mozambique | 108 | Group Stage | Dominguez, Pepo |
Group B Venues:
- Primarily at Grand Stadium of Tangier (75,600 capacity)
- Select matches at Casablanca
Analysis: The "Group of Death" features two of Africa's most successful nations. Egypt's Mohamed Salah leads the record 7-time champions against Ghana's Black Stars. Cape Verde could spring surprises.
Key Match: Egypt vs. Ghana — Historic rivalry renewed
Group C
| Team | FIFA Rank | Previous Best | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | 20 | Winner (2022) | Mané, Koulibaly, Mendy |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | 49 | Winner (5×) | Onana, Anguissa, Choupo-Moting |
| 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso | 60 | Runner-up (2013) | Traoré, Tapsoba |
| 🇬🇲 Gambia | 128 | Quarter-finals | Barrow, Jallow |
Group C Venues:
- Grand Stadium of Marrakech (45,240 capacity)
- Grand Stadium of Agadir (45,480 capacity)
Analysis: Defending champions Senegal face 5-time winners Cameroon in a powerhouse group. Burkina Faso has proven dangerous in recent tournaments. Gambia's Cinderella story continues.
Key Match: Senegal vs. Cameroon — Defending champions vs. Indomitable Lions
Group D
| Team | FIFA Rank | Previous Best | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 44 | Winner (3×) | Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi |
| 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | 39 | Winner (3×) | Haller, Pépé, Kessié |
| 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea | 88 | Semi-finals | Nsue, Salvador |
| 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau | 106 | Group Stage | Djaló, Mendes |
Group D Venues:
- Mohammed V Complex, Casablanca (45,000 capacity)
- Grand Stadium of Fez (45,000 capacity)
Analysis: Nigeria's Super Eagles and Ivory Coast's Elephants headline another competitive group. Victor Osimhen leads Nigeria's attack. Equatorial Guinea has upset bigger teams before.
Key Match: Nigeria vs. Ivory Coast — Battle of former champions
Group E
| Team | FIFA Rank | Previous Best | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | 37 | Winner (2×) | Mahrez, Bennacer, Slimani |
| 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 47 | Winner (2004) | Msakni, Khazri, Bronn |
| 🇦🇴 Angola | 120 | Quarter-finals | Show, Zini |
| 🇲🇷 Mauritania | 103 | Round of 16 | Aboubakary, Thiam |
Group E Venues:
- Rabat stadiums (multiple venues)
- Tangier
Analysis: North African derby between Algeria and Tunisia dominates. Algeria's 2019 champions seek another title. Angola returns after absence. Mauritania aims to build on recent progress.
Key Match: Algeria vs. Tunisia — North African supremacy
Group F
| Team | FIFA Rank | Previous Best | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 66 | Winner (1996) | Tau, Mokoena, Williams |
| 🇺🇬 Uganda | 93 | Runner-up (1978) | Okello, Aucho |
| 🇧🇯 Benin | 91 | Quarter-finals | Mounie, D'Almeida |
| 🇧🇼 Botswana | 140 | Group Stage | Gaolaolwe, Seakanyeng |
Group F Venues:
- Agadir, Marrakech, Fez rotation
Analysis: South Africa's Bafana Bafana are favorites but face determined opposition. Uganda seeks to recapture 1970s glory. Benin has been competitive recently. Botswana makes rare appearance.
Key Match: South Africa vs. Uganda — Southern vs. East Africa
Tournament Format & Schedule
Group Stage (December 21 - January 2)
Format:
- 6 groups of 4 teams
- Each team plays 3 matches (round-robin)
- 3 points for win, 1 for draw, 0 for loss
- Qualification: Top 2 from each group + 4 best third-placed teams
Match Schedule:
- Matchday 1: December 21-23 (Opening matches)
- Matchday 2: December 25-27
- Matchday 3: December 30 - January 2 (Decisive matches)
Knockout Stage
Round of 16: January 5-8, 2026
- 16 teams (6 group winners + 6 runners-up + 4 best third-placed)
- Single elimination begins
Quarter-finals: January 11-12, 2026
- 4 matches across Morocco's premier stadiums
Semi-finals: January 15-16, 2026
- Grand Stadium of Tangier (75,600)
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat (69,500)
Third-Place Match: January 17, 2026
- Mohammed V Complex, Casablanca (45,000)
FINAL: January 18, 2026
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat (69,500 capacity)
- 8:00 PM local time (GMT+1)
Best Third-Placed Teams Qualification
The 4 best third-placed teams advance based on:
- Points (most important)
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Fair play record
- Drawing of lots (if still tied)
Historical Context: Since expansion to 24 teams (2019), third-placed teams have reached:
- 2019: Madagascar (Quarter-finals), South Africa (Quarter-finals)
- 2021: Malawi (Round of 16)
Potential Knockout Paths
If Groups Finish as Expected
Top Half of Bracket:
- Winner Group A (Morocco) vs. 3rd Place C/D/E
- Winner Group C (Senegal) vs. Runner-up Group D
- Potential Quarter-final: Morocco vs. Senegal
Bottom Half of Bracket:
- Winner Group B (Egypt) vs. 3rd Place A/B/F
- Winner Group D (Nigeria) vs. Runner-up Group B
- Potential Quarter-final: Egypt vs. Nigeria
Potential Semi-finals:
- Morocco vs. Egypt (North African derby)
- Senegal vs. Nigeria (West African clash)
Group Stage Venues Breakdown
| Group | Primary Venues | Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat stadiums | Rabat |
| Group B | Grand Stadium of Tangier, Mohammed V Complex | Tangier, Casablanca |
| Group C | Grand Stadium of Marrakech, Grand Stadium of Agadir | Marrakech, Agadir |
| Group D | Mohammed V Complex, Grand Stadium of Fez | Casablanca, Fez |
| Group E | Rabat stadiums, Grand Stadium of Tangier | Rabat, Tangier |
| Group F | Grand Stadium of Agadir, Grand Stadium of Marrakech, Fez | Agadir, Marrakech, Fez |
Key Dates & Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2025 | Opening Match: Morocco vs. Mali (Rabat) |
| December 21-23 | Matchday 1 (All groups) |
| December 25-27 | Matchday 2 (All groups) |
| December 30 - Jan 2 | Matchday 3 (Decisive group matches) |
| January 2, 2026 | Group stage concludes |
| January 5-8 | Round of 16 |
| January 11-12 | Quarter-finals |
| January 15-16 | Semi-finals |
| January 17 | Third-place match |
| January 18, 2026 | FINAL (Rabat, 8:00 PM) |
Teams to Watch
Favorites
1. Morocco (Host Nation)
- Strengths: Home advantage, talented squad, tactical discipline
- Key Player: Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
- Path: Group A winners likely avoid tough teams until semi-finals
- Odds: Tournament favorites
2. Senegal (Defending Champions)
- Strengths: Experience, balanced squad, winning mentality
- Key Player: Sadio Mané (Al Nassr)
- Challenge: Difficult Group C with Cameroon
- Odds: Strong contenders
3. Egypt (Record 7× Winners)
- Strengths: Mohamed Salah, tournament experience
- Key Player: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
- Challenge: Tough Group B with Ghana
- Odds: Perennial contenders
Dark Horses
Nigeria — Victor Osimhen in prime form
Ivory Coast — Talented young squad
Algeria — 2019 champions seeking redemption
Cameroon — Indomitable Lions always dangerous
Surprise Packages
Cape Verde — Consistently competitive
Burkina Faso — Strong recent performances
Gambia — Building on 2021 quarter-final run
Historical Context
Previous AFCON Winners
| Country | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 7 | 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010 |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | 5 | 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017 |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | 4 | 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 3 | 1980, 1994, 2013 |
| 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | 3 | 1992, 2015, 2023 |
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | 2 | 1990, 2019 |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | 2 | 2021, 2022 |
| 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 1 | 2004 |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 1 | 1996 |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 1 | 1976 |
Morocco's AFCON History
- Titles: 1 (1976)
- Runners-up: 1 (2004)
- Semi-finals: 5 times
- Last appearance: 2021 (Quarter-finals)
- Home advantage: First time hosting since 1988
Match Day Experience
Attending Group Stage Matches
Ticket Availability:
- Group stage tickets most accessible
- Prices: 200-800 MAD ($20-80)
- Morocco matches sell out fastest
- Book via tickets.cafonline.com. For detailed instructions, read our ticket booking guide.
Best Matches to Attend:
Must-See Group Matches:
- Morocco vs. Mali (Opening, Dec 21) — Historic atmosphere
- Egypt vs. Ghana (Group B) — Rivalry renewed
- Senegal vs. Cameroon (Group C) — Champions clash
- Nigeria vs. Ivory Coast (Group D) — West African derby
- Algeria vs. Tunisia (Group E) — North African battle
Stadium Atmosphere Rankings:
- Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat — Morocco matches, electric
- Grand Stade de Tanger — Largest capacity, impressive
- Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca — Historic venue
- Grand Stade de Marrakech — Tourist-friendly
Tactical Analysis
Playing Styles by Group
Group A:
- Morocco: Possession-based, defensive solidity
- Mali: Physical, direct
- Zambia: Counter-attacking
- Tanzania: Defensive organization
Group B:
- Egypt: Salah-centric, compact defense
- Ghana: Athletic, high-pressing
- Cape Verde: Organized, set-piece threat
- Mozambique: Counter-attacking
Group C:
- Senegal: Balanced, physical
- Cameroon: Versatile, experienced
- Burkina Faso: Disciplined, resilient
- Gambia: Energetic, fearless
Broadcasting & Streaming
International Broadcast Partners
Africa:
- SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa)
- beIN Sports (MENA region)
- Canal+ (Francophone Africa)
Europe:
- BBC/ITV (UK)
- TF1/M6 (France)
- ARD/ZDF (Germany)
Global:
- FIFA+ (Free streaming, select regions)
- Check local listings
Morocco (Host Nation):
- Al Aoula (National broadcaster)
- beIN Sports
- Free-to-air coverage guaranteed
Predictions & Betting Odds
Tournament Winner Odds (Approximate)
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 3/1 |
| 🇸🇳 Senegal | 4/1 |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 5/1 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 6/1 |
| 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | 8/1 |
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | 10/1 |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | 10/1 |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | 12/1 |
Group Winners Predictions
- Group A: Morocco (95% probability)
- Group B: Egypt (60%) or Ghana (35%)
- Group C: Senegal (70%) or Cameroon (25%)
- Group D: Nigeria (55%) or Ivory Coast (40%)
- Group E: Algeria (60%) or Tunisia (35%)
- Group F: South Africa (65%)
Final Prediction
Most Likely Final: Morocco vs. Senegal
Dark Horse Final: Egypt vs. Nigeria
Surprise Final: Ivory Coast vs. Algeria
Fan Travel Tips
Following Your Team
Multi-City Itineraries:
If following Morocco (Group A):
- Base: Rabat (all group matches)
- Potential knockout: Rabat → Tangier/Casablanca → Rabat (Final)
If following Egypt/Ghana (Group B):
- Base: Tangier (group stage)
- Potential knockout: Tangier → Marrakech → Rabat
If following Senegal/Cameroon (Group C):
- Base: Marrakech/Agadir
- Potential knockout: Coastal cities → Rabat
Budget Planning:
- Group stage only: $500-800 (tickets + accommodation + transport)
- Full tournament: $2,000-5,000 (depending on team's progress)
Social Media & Updates
Official Channels
CAF (Confederation of African Football):
- Twitter/X: @CAF_Online
- Instagram: @caf_online
- Facebook: CAFOnline
AFCON 2025 Morocco:
- Official hashtag: #AFCON2025
- Morocco hashtag: #YallaMorocco
Team Hashtags:
- Morocco: #AtlasLions
- Egypt: #Pharaohs
- Senegal: #LionsDeLaTeranga
- Nigeria: #SuperEagles
Records to Watch
Individual Records
Most AFCON Goals (All-Time):
- Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon): 18 goals
- Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast): 14 goals
- Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria): 13 goals
Active Players Close to Records:
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): 8 goals (needs 11 to break record)
- Sadio Mané (Senegal): 7 goals
- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): 6 goals
Team Records
Longest Winning Streak: Egypt (9 matches, 2008-2010)
Most Consecutive Finals: Egypt (3, 2006-2010)
Biggest Win: Egypt 6-3 Nigeria (2010)
Conclusion
AFCON 2025 promises to be one of the most competitive tournaments in history. With Morocco's home advantage, defending champions Senegal's quest for a third title, and Egypt's Mohamed Salah seeking glory, the stage is set for unforgettable football.
Key Takeaways:
- 24 teams, 6 groups — Most competitive format
- Morocco favorites — Home advantage crucial
- Groups B & C — Toughest groups
- January 18 Final — Rabat hosts the climax
- Book early — Tickets and accommodation selling fast
The draw has delivered drama, rivalries, and potential upsets. From the opening match in Rabat to the final on January 18, AFCON 2025 will showcase the best of African football.
Yalla Morocco! Let the tournament begin! 🇲🇦⚽🏆
Resources:
- Tickets: tickets.cafonline.com
- Fan ID: www.yallamorocco.ma
- Official Site: www.cafonline.com/afcon2025
Last updated: November 28, 2025
In this article
- AFCON 2025 Groups Overview
- Tournament Format & Schedule
- Best Third-Placed Teams Qualification
- Potential Knockout Paths
- Group Stage Venues Breakdown
- Key Dates & Milestones
- Teams to Watch
- Historical Context
- Match Day Experience
- Tactical Analysis
- Broadcasting & Streaming
- Predictions & Betting Odds
- Fan Travel Tips
- Social Media & Updates
- Records to Watch
- Conclusion
Written by
Morocco Stadiums Team
AFCON 2025 Guide