The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is set to be an electrifying football spectacle, kicking off from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. Twenty-four teams are gearing up for this fiercely competitive tournament, held across nine stadiums in six cities. With top players from leagues around the globe participating, the event promises high-octane action and unforgettable moments.

Star Players to Watch

A wealth of talent from the Premier League and other major leagues will grace the AFCON 2025 stage. Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo are among the notable names representing their nations. It's a busy time of year, and their home clubs could feel their absence, especially as they might miss up to six league games if their teams advance to the final stages. This highlights the significant impact on the club calendar, but it's the price of national glory.

Favorites and Contenders

Hosts Morocco arrive as heavy favorites aiming for their first title since 1976. Their rise to prominence, especially after reaching the World Cup 2022 semifinals, bolsters their confidence. Reigning champions Ivory Coast are also top contenders, alongside teams like Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt. Watch out for underdogs like South Africa, DR Congo, Comoros, and Angola, who have shown impressive form in the qualifiers.

How to Watch AFCON 2025 Live

Fans in the USA can catch all the action live on beIN SPORTS USA. The group stage kicks off on December 21, with Morocco facing Comoros. The tournament runs until the finals on January 18. This extensive coverage ensures that fans won't miss a moment of the action as it unfolds live across Moroccan stadiums.

Group Stage Schedule

The group stage matches are scheduled as follows:

  • Group A: December 21 - Morocco vs. Comoros; December 26 - Morocco vs. Mali
  • Group B: December 22 - Egypt vs. Zimbabwe; December 26 - Egypt vs. South Africa
  • Group C: December 23 - Nigeria vs. Tanzania; December 27 - Nigeria vs. Tunisia
  • Group D: December 23 - Senegal vs. Botswana; December 27 - Senegal vs. DR Congo
  • Group E: December 24 - Algeria vs. Sudan; December 28 - Algeria vs. Burkina Faso
  • Group F: December 24 - Ivory Coast vs. Mozambique; December 28 - Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon

Knockout Stages

The knockout rounds heat up from January 3 with the Round of 16, leading to the grand finale on January 18. The quarterfinals begin on January 9, followed by the semifinals on January 14, and the much-anticipated final. Fans are eagerly watching to see which nation will emerge victorious from this prestigious tournament.

Anticipation and Excitement

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of football, culture, and unity. As teams and fans ready themselves for this event, the excitement is palpable across Africa and worldwide. Whether you're cheering from the stands or watching live from home, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling show of talent and national pride.