AFCON 2025 Fixtures & Groups: Full Schedule Breakdown

The AFCON 2025 fixtures & groups reveal the full schedule and group stage layout ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, set to begin on December 21, 2025 in Morocco. This edition of the continental championship will span six weeks of high-intensity football, bringing together Africa’s top national teams in a competition that celebrates elite talent and national pride across the continent. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

When Does AFCON 2025 Start?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially kicks off on December 21, 2025, with the opening match set to take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

This historic summer-to-winter tournament will run through January 18, 2026, featuring group stage matches across multiple cities including Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès, Agadir, and Tangier. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Full AFCON 2025 Group Stage Fixtures

The group stage comprises six groups (A–F), with four teams each competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will advance to the Round of 16. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Group A Fixtures

Dec 21: Morocco vs Comoros – Rabat
Dec 22: Mali vs Zambia – Casablanca
Dec 25: Morocco vs Mali – Rabat
Dec 25: Zambia vs Comoros – Rabat
Dec 29: Comoros vs Mali – Casablanca
Dec 29: Morocco vs Zambia – Rabat

Hosts Morocco, Group A favorites, begin strong with a home tie in Rabat, a venue where familiarity and support could prove decisive. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Group B Fixtures

Dec 22: Egypt vs Zimbabwe – Agadir
Dec 22: South Africa vs Angola – Marrakech
Dec 26: Egypt vs South Africa – Agadir
Dec 26: Angola vs Zimbabwe – Marrakech
Dec 29: Egypt vs Angola – Agadir
Dec 29: Zimbabwe vs South Africa – Marrakech

Group B features a mix of seasoned contenders and rising sides, with Egypt’s tactical discipline set to clash with South Africa’s dynamism. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Group C Fixtures

Dec 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania – Fès
Dec 23: Tunisia vs Uganda – Rabat
Dec 27: Nigeria vs Tunisia – Fès
Dec 27: Uganda vs Tanzania – Rabat
Dec 30: Nigeria vs Uganda – Fès
Dec 30: Tanzania vs Tunisia – Rabat

The Group C schedule presents a tactical test for Nigeria and Tunisia as they look to set an early pace in the competition. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Group D Fixtures

Dec 23: Senegal vs Botswana – Tangier
Dec 23: DR Congo vs Benin – Rabat
Dec 27: DR Congo vs Senegal – Tangier
Dec 27: Benin vs Botswana – Rabat
Dec 30: Botswana vs DR Congo – Rabat
Dec 30: Benin vs Senegal – Tangier

Group D promises flair and intensity, particularly in Senegal’s opener in Tangier. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Group E Fixtures

Dec 24: Algeria vs Sudan – Rabat
Dec 24: Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea – Casablanca
Dec 28: Algeria vs Burkina Faso – Rabat
Dec 28: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan – Casablanca
Dec 31: Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria – Rabat
Dec 31: Burkina Faso vs Sudan – Casablanca

Algeria’s Group E matches combine strategic battles against both established and emerging teams. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Group F Fixtures

Dec 24: Ivory Coast vs Mozambique – Marrakech
Dec 24: Cameroon vs Gabon – Agadir
Dec 28: Cameroon vs Ivory Coast – Marrakech
Dec 28: Gabon vs Mozambique – Agadir
Dec 31: Cameroon vs Mozambique – Agadir
Dec 31: Ivory Coast vs Gabon – Marrakech

Group F rounds out the group stage with top nations like Ivory Coast and Cameroon, both capable of progressing deep into knockout stages. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Key Matchdays to Watch

Given the packed schedule, fans should mark these pivotal dates:

Dec 21: Tournament kickoff in Rabat — iconic opening featuring hosts Morocco. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Dec 26–29: Crucial mid-tournament group matches that could decide advancement. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Jan 3–10: Round of 16 and quarterfinal clashes. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Jan 14–18: Semifinals and final, culminating in crowning Africa’s champion. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

For overarching strategies and analysis across AFCON competitions, see our AFCON tournament guide explaining formats and qualification criteria, or check recent match previews and expert tactical breakdowns.

If you are tracking past tournament results and team statistics, visit comprehensive AFCON statistics resources, and for interactive match planners, use our match schedule tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does AFCON 2025 start?

AFCON 2025 begins on December 21, 2025, with the opening match in Rabat, Morocco. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

How many groups are in AFCON 2025?

There are six groups (A to F) in AFCON 2025, each with four teams competing in round-robin play. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Where is AFCON 2025 being held?

The tournament is hosted entirely in Morocco, with matches across multiple cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fès, and Tangier. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

How do teams advance from the group stage?

The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, advance to the Round of 16 in the knockout phase. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}