AFCON 2025: Your Complete Guide to Fixtures, Groups, and Venues in Morocco
Get ready for a festival of football! The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is back, and the 2025 edition promises to be unforgettable. Morocco is set to host the continent’s most prestigious tournament.
Morocco is set to host the continent’s most prestigious tournament, bringing together the best teams from across Africa. The action kicks off on December 21, 2025, and culminates with the grand final on January 18, 2026. This guide has everything you need to follow along, from the complete fixture list and group tables to the iconic venues hosting the matches.
Where is AFCON 2025? Host Cities and Stadiums
Morocco will welcome fans to six vibrant cities, showcasing its modern football infrastructure across nine stadiums. This is the second time the nation has hosted the tournament. Consequently, they are well-prepared to deliver a world-class experience. The capital, Rabat, will be central to the action, hosting both the opening game and the final.
Here are the cities and venues for the tournament:
- Rabat: Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (68,700), Moulay El Hassan Stadium (22,000), and others.
- Tangier: Grand Stade de Tanger (75 500).
- Casablanca: Stade Mohammed V (45 000).
- Marrakech: Grand Stade de Marrakech (45 240).
- Agadir: Adrar Stadium (45,000).
- Fès : Complexe Sportif de Fès (45 000).
AFCON 2025: Key Dates for Your Calendar
The tournament is structured for non-stop excitement, starting with a packed group stage before heading into the tense knockout rounds. Mark these key dates down so you don’t miss a moment.
The tournament progresses through the following stages:
- Group Stage: December 21 – 31, 2025
- Round of 16: January 3 – 6, 2026
- Quarter-finals: January 9 – 10, 2026
- Semi-finals: January 14, 2026
- Third-place Play-off: January 17, 2026
- Final: January 18, 2026
AFCON 2025 Groups: The Road to the Knockouts
The journey to the final begins in the group stage. The draw, held in Rabat, has placed the 24 qualified nations into six competitive groups. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance. In addition, the four best third-placed teams will also secure a spot in the Round of 16, keeping the suspense high until the final group matches.
Here is the complete group stage draw:
Group A
- Morocco (hosts)
- Mali
- Zambia
- Comoros
Group B
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Angola
- Zimbabwe
Group C
- Nigeria
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Tanzania
Group D
- Senegal
- DR Congo
- Benin
- Botswana
Group E
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sudan
Group F
- Ivory Coast (holders)
- Cameroon
- Gabon
- Mozambique
The hosts, Morocco, will be looking for a strong start. You can follow their journey via the Morocco’s Royal Football Federation website.
Confirmed AFCON 2025 Fixtures & Kick-Off Times
The tournament kicks off with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros. Below are the confirmed fixtures for the opening matchdays. All listed times are local to Morocco (UTC+1).
Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Morocco vs Comoros 20:00 (Group A, Rabat)
Monday, December 22, 2025
- Mali vs Zambia 15:00 (Group A, Casablanca)
- South Africa vs Angola 18:00 (Group B)
- Egypt vs Zimbabwe 21:00 (Group B, Agadir)
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
- DR Congo vs Benin 13:30 (Group D)
- Senegal vs Botswana 16:00 (Group D)
- Nigeria vs Tanzania 18:30 (Group C)
- Tunisia vs Uganda 21:00 (Group C)
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
- Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea 13:30 (Group E, Casablanca)
- Algeria vs Sudan 16:00 (Group E)
- Ivory Coast vs Mozambique 18:30 (Group F)
- Cameroon vs Gabon 20:00 (Group F, Agadir)
Friday, December 26, 2025
- Angola vs Zimbabwe 13:30 (Group B)
- Egypt vs South Africa 16:00 (Group B, Agadir)
- Zambia vs Comoros 18:30 (Group A, Casablanca)
- Morocco vs Mali 21:00 (Group A, Rabat)
Saturday, December 27, 2025
- Benin vs Botswana 13:30 (Group D)
- Senegal vs DR Congo 16:00 (Group D, Tangier)
- Uganda vs Tanzania 18:30 (Group C)
- Nigeria vs Tunisia 21:00 (Group C)
Sunday, December 28, 2025
- Gabon vs Mozambique 13:30 (Group F, Agadir)
- Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan 16:00 (Group E, Casablanca)
- Algeria vs Burkina Faso 18:30 (Group E)
- Ivory Coast vs Cameroon 21:00 (Group F)
Defending champions Ivory Coast face a tough group.
The Stage is Set for African Football’s Finest
With the groups drawn, venues prepared, and fixtures scheduled, the countdown to AFCON 2025 in Morocco has truly begun. From the opening clash in Rabat to the showdown, the tournament is poised to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Fans across Africa and the world are eagerly waiting to see which nation will rise to the occasion and be crowned the champion of the continent.
