AFCON 2025: What to Expect and Where to Watch the Games

Experience the excitement, the surprises, and the best moments: AFCON 2025 promises to be an electrifying competition where every moment counts!

Football fans recognize that the Africa Cup of Nations is defined by its unpredictability.

From December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Morocco will host the continental competition with 24 teams in action.

We have prepared a complete article with the detailed AFCON 2025 schedule, where to watch, and which stars will shine to dominate Africa this edition.

1. AFCON 2025 Dates and Schedule

AFCON 2025 will not just be a tournament; it will be a true marathon of emotions spanning Christmas and New Year.

For sports big fans, it is the perfect period to dive into high-intensity football.

The competition is divided into two main stages: the group stage, where 24 teams fight for a spot, and the knockout stage, where the margin of error is zero.

• Host Country and Venue: Morocco
• Overall tournament period: From December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026
• Group Stage: From December 21 to 31, 2025. If your favorite team starts slow, there is still hope!
• Opening Match: The kickoff will be Morocco vs Comoros at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat on 12/21. A game promising a full house and lots of celebration.
• Knockout Stages: From January 3, 2026, the tournament transforms into a single-elimination system.

Coming up:

1. 03 January 2026: Start of the Round of 16.
2. 10 January 2026: Quarterfinals matches.
3. 14 January 2026: Semifinals, the gateway to glory.
4. 18 January 2026: The Grand Final, crowning the champion at Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah.

2. Apps to Follow AFCON 2025 in Africa

In Africa, coverage is robust and designed to ensure fans feel the energy of the stands.

Technology is bringing the fan closer to the action like never before.

SABC Plus (South Africa)

SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) ensures South African fans do not miss a minute.

SABC Plus is a free streaming service broadcasting all 52 matches, complementing coverage from SABC 2 and SABC Sport.

Its edge is real-time commentary and the focus on bringing viewers closer to the action, ideal for those seeking full national coverage that is accessible.

SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa)

This is the broadcasting giant of the continent, bringing AFCON 2025 to subscribers of DStv and GOtv.

SuperSport stands out for in-depth digital coverage: its app offers detailed statistics, tactical analysis, and instant replays.

For football fans who are also tactical analysts and love real-time data, this is the perfect platform.

Canal+ (French-speaking Countries)

Canal+ is the go-to for fans in nations like Senegal, Cameroon, and Algeria.

The platform offers the famous “Expert Mode” and a wide range of channels, providing a rich experience with exclusive interviews with players and coaches, plus interactive quizzes to test your tournament knowledge.

Yalla App (Official CAF Platform)

If you plan to travel to Morocco, Yalla App  is your essential digital passport.

It is not only a streaming app but a crucial logistics tool.

It facilitates ticket purchase and management, is required for obtaining the digital Fan ID (simplifying the e-Visa process), and provides interactive stadium maps and crucial real-time event information.

3. How to Watch Outside Africa

For the global football fan far from the continent, AFCON has never been more accessible, thanks to international streaming platforms.

The key is choosing a platform that offers broadcast quality and the features you value, whether tactical analysis or the simple convenience of recording matches.

• beIN Sports (USA): World-renowned for full coverage and expert commentary. You can watch via FuboTV or Sling TV, platforms offering features like game recording (DVR) and personalized goal notifications.
• DAZN (Central Europe): For countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, DAZN provides high-quality HD streaming, plus detailed stats and thematic highlights.
• Ziggo Sport (Netherlands): Available via Ziggo GO, it is the exclusive channel for the Netherlands. They offer replays and tactical analysis ensuring Dutch fans have full tournament insight despite the distance.
• CAF TV (YouTube): The official CAF channel is the best friend for fans seeking free access. Even if live streaming has geographic restrictions, it is the top source for highlights, behind-the-scenes, interviews, and exciting match recaps.

4. Qualified Teams

The draw created fascinating scenarios, promising intense rivalries from day one.

The AFCON model with 24 teams is excellent, allowing emerging nations to participate, but making the group stage a real trial.

5. Stars Who Could Shine This Edition

AFCON 2025 will be the perfect stage for African stars, many of them key players in top clubs worldwide, to wear their national jersey.

The tournament in Morocco promises a breathtaking showcase of talent, with elite players chasing continental glory.

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Liverpool’s star is undoubtedly the most decisive player of his team. He leads the Pharaohs in pursuit of their eighth title.
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): One of the best full-backs in the world, Hakimi is a relentless engine for PSG and the backbone of Morocco.
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): The striker, a former Africa Best Player, is Nigeria’s main offensive tool.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal): The star is the symbol of the current champion and a reference in attack.
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Riding high after a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final for Atalanta, Lookman is the young talent who became reality.
• Brahim Díaz (Morocco): The talented midfielder from Real Madrid chose to represent Morocco and will make his AFCON 2025 debut at home.

6. Final Expectations

The Africa Cup of Nations always delivers surprises, and unpredictability and balance are hallmarks of the tournament.

• Morocco (The Host) arrives with the Lions of the Atlas in high spirits, fueled by the tremendous home crowd support. With Hakimi and Díaz leading the squad, they have everything to make history in AFCON 2025 in front of their fans.
• Senegal (The Consistent Favorite) comes with the most balanced squad. Their defensive solidity and ability to handle knockout pressure make the Teranga Lions a formidable obstacle for any opponent.
• And of course, Egypt (The Sleeping Giant) cannot be ignored. With Mohamed Salah leading the Pharaohs and tradition weighing in, they always have real chances of glory.
• While Nigeria and Ivory Coast dream of the final, the clash on January 18, 2026 promises to be a true lesson in tactics and excitement at AFCON 2025.

Conclusion

AFCON 2025 promises to provide great moments for football fans and supporters: it will be a celebration of African football at its most thrilling.

With 24 teams competing intensely every minute, surprises and unforgettable moments are guaranteed.

Fans from across the continent and around the world will witness both established stars and rising talents shine on Moroccan stages, experiencing the unique energy of every match.

Regardless of the final outcome, AFCON 2025 will be remembered as an edition defined by talent, and the excitement of African football.