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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Match Schedule:
Knockout Stage
Round of 16: January 5-8, 2026
Quarter-finals: January 11-12, 2026
Semi-finals: January 15-16, 2026
Third-Place Match: January 17, 2026
FINAL: January 18, 2026
Best Third-Placed Teams Qualification
The 4 best third-placed teams advance based on:
Historical Context: Since expansion to 24 teams (2019), third-placed teams have reached:
Potential Knockout Paths
If Groups Finish as Expected
Top Half of Bracket:
Bottom Half of Bracket:
Potential Semi-finals:
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)
2. Senegal (Defending Champions)
3. Egypt (Record 7× Winners)
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
Match Day Experience
Attending Group Stage Matches
Ticket Availability:
Best Matches to Attend:
Must-See Group Matches:
Stadium Atmosphere Rankings:
Tactical Analysis
Playing Styles by Group
Group A:
Group B:
Group C:
Broadcasting & Streaming
International Broadcast Partners
Africa:
Europe:
Global:
Morocco (Host Nation):
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
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):
If following Egypt/Ghana (Group B):
If following Senegal/Cameroon (Group C):
Budget Planning:
Social Media & Updates
Official Channels
CAF (Confederation of African Football):
AFCON 2025 Morocco:
Team Hashtags:
Records to Watch
Individual Records
Most AFCON Goals (All-Time):
Active Players Close to Records:
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:
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:
*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