The AFCON schedule for the 2025-2026 tournament cycle begins with the opening match on December 21, 2025, and concludes with the final on January 18, 2026, in Morocco. This prestigious tournament, hosted by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, features 24 African nations competing across six world-class venues. In this comprehensive guide, you will find exhaustive details on group stage fixtures, knockout round paths, kick-off times, and stadium locations. We also provide tactical previews of key matchups and practical travel logistics for fans attending the games in person across North Africa.
Tournament Overview and Key Dates
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) represents a historic shift in timing to accommodate the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Morocco serves as the host nation, utilizing high-tech infrastructure and revamped stadiums to welcome the continent’s elite talent.
Key dates to remember include the group stage (Dec 21 – Jan 2), the Round of 16 (Jan 5–8), Quarter-finals (Jan 11–12), Semi-finals (Jan 14–15), and the Final on January 18. This window ensures that European-based players can participate while minimizing conflict with the revamped global football calendar.
Opening Match and Group A
The tournament kicks off in Rabat at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, featuring the host nation, Morocco, against the lowest-seeded team in Group A. This opening fixture sets the tone for the 52-match sprint to the trophy, often drawing record-breaking television viewership across the globe.
Group A matches are primarily played in Rabat, offering the hosts a distinct home-field advantage with passionate local support. Expect high-intensity football as teams vie for the top two spots to secure an easier path through the knockout stages.
Group B Fixtures and Venues
Group B matches are hosted in Marrakech, a city known for its vibrant culture and the iconic Grand Stade de Marrakech. The schedule for this group typically features a mix of West African powerhouses and North African tactical specialists, creating a “Group of Death” scenario.
Matches in this group are scheduled for afternoon and evening slots to manage the North African climate and maximize global broadcast reach. The logistical proximity of training camps in Marrakech allows teams to maintain peak physical condition throughout the opening week.
Group C Schedule in Agadir
Agadir’s Adrar Stadium hosts the Group C fixtures, offering a coastal breeze that often impacts the pace of the game. The schedule here is packed, with double-header matchdays occurring on the third and seventh days of the tournament.
Spectators in Agadir can expect a focus on technical play, as the stadium’s pitch is renowned for being one of the best-maintained surfaces in the region. The group stage concludes here with simultaneous kick-offs to ensure fair play and competitive integrity.
Group D Mid-Tournament Timeline
Group D finds its home in Casablanca, the commercial heart of Morocco, playing at the legendary Mohamed V Stadium. The schedule is designed to build momentum, with the marquee matchup of the group typically reserved for the second matchday.
Casablanca’s football heritage adds an extra layer of pressure to these fixtures, as local fans are among the most knowledgeable on the continent. The schedule includes several high-profile night games, taking advantage of the stadium’s world-class lighting systems.
Group E Regional Matchups
Fes serves as the primary hub for Group E, utilizing its historic atmosphere to frame some of the tournament’s most anticipated regional rivalries. The schedule features back-to-back games that test the depth of the competing squads’ rosters.
Teams in Group E must navigate a tight turnaround, often playing three matches in just nine days. This grueling schedule rewards teams with superior sports science departments and efficient recovery protocols.
Group F Closing Stage
The final group, Group F, plays its matches in Tangier at the Ibn Batouta Stadium, which has been recently expanded for this event. As the final group to finish, these teams often know exactly what they need to do to qualify based on previous results.
The Tangier schedule is unique because it often bridges the gap between the group stages and the sudden-death atmosphere of the Round of 16. Its proximity to Europe also makes it a popular destination for international scouts looking for the next breakout star.
Round of 16 Bracket
Following a two-day rest period after the group stages, the Round of 16 begins on January 5, 2026. This stage introduces the “knockout” format, where extra time and penalty shootouts become a possibility if scores remain level after 90 minutes.
The bracket is pre-determined based on group standings, with the winner of Group A facing a third-place qualifier in Rabat. This phase of the schedule is widely considered the most volatile, as underdogs often find a way to upset established giants.
Quarter-final Path to Glory
The quarter-finals are split across two days, January 11 and 12, with matches held in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Agadir. By this stage, the field is narrowed to the elite eight, and the intensity of the schedule reaches a fever pitch.
These matches are scheduled as standalone events to ensure global focus remains on each game. The physical toll of the previous four matches starts to show, making tactical substitutions and squad management critical components of the schedule.
Semi-final Showdowns
The semi-finals take place on January 14 and 15, 2025, providing the remaining four teams with a chance to secure a spot in the historic final. One semi-final is held in the north (Tangier/Rabat) and the other in the south (Marrakech).
The schedule allows for a three-day recovery window for the finalists, which is vital for maintaining the quality of play in the championship match. These games are frequently the most-watched sporting events in Africa, drawing hundreds of millions of viewers.
Third-Place Play-off
Often called the “Consolation Final,” the third-place match occurs on January 17, 2026. While the stakes are lower than the final, it remains a prestigious fixture that determines the bronze medalists of African football.
The match is usually held in the same city as the final, serving as a curtain-raiser for the weekend’s festivities. It provides an opportunity for fringe players to showcase their skills on a continental stage.
The Grand Final Schedule
The AFCON Final is scheduled for the evening of January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This 9:00 PM (local time) kick-off ensures prime-time viewing across Africa and Europe.
The closing ceremony precedes the match, featuring African musical icons and cultural displays. Following the match, the trophy presentation marks the conclusion of the month-long tournament, crowning the kings of African football.
Training and Practice Timelines
Each participating nation is assigned a dedicated training site, with a schedule that mirrors their matchday requirements. Teams typically arrive in Morocco 7–10 days before their first match to acclimatize to the weather and altitude.
Training sessions are strictly timed by CAF officials to ensure pitch maintenance and equity between teams. Most sessions are closed to the public, though “Media Days” are built into the schedule to allow for press interaction.
Broadcast and Media Schedule
The global broadcast schedule is managed by CAF and its partners, ensuring that matches are available in over 150 countries. Press conferences are scheduled for the day before each match, providing insights into team selection and strategy.
Digital platforms and streaming services offer 24/7 coverage, including post-match analysis and behind-the-scenes footage. The schedule for these auxiliary broadcasts is designed to keep fans engaged between live match windows.
Practical Information for Fans
Attending AFCON in Morocco requires careful planning regarding transport and accommodation. The national rail network (ONCF), including the Al Boraq high-speed train, connects major host cities like Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.
- Ticket Prices: Range from $5 USD for group stages to $100+ USD for VIP Final tickets.
- Entry Requirements: Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Morocco, but check current 2026 regulations.
- Weather: January in Morocco is mild but can be chilly at night (10°C–18°C), so pack layers.
- Transportation: Use the “Careem” app or “Petit Taxis” for local travel; trains for inter-city.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the AFCON 2025-2026 start?
The tournament officially begins with the opening ceremony and first match on December 21, 2025.
Where is the AFCON 2025 final being held?
The final will take place in Rabat at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026.
How many teams participate in the AFCON?
A total of 24 national teams qualify for the final tournament after a rigorous qualification process.
Can I buy AFCON tickets online?
Yes, tickets are primarily sold through the official CAF website and authorized Moroccan ticketing platforms.
What is the time zone for the matches?
Matches are played in Western European Time (WET), which is the same as UTC during the winter months.
Are there any new stadiums for this tournament?
Several stadiums have undergone massive renovations, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Is there VAR at AFCON?
Yes, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is used in every single match of the tournament.
How do I get between host cities?
The best way is via Morocco’s high-speed rail network or domestic flights between cities like Marrakech and Tangier.
Who are the defending champions?
This depends on the outcome of the previous edition, but historical giants like Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Egypt are always contenders.
Final Thoughts
The AFCON 2025-2026 tournament reached a dramatic conclusion on January 18, 2026, when Senegal defeated the host nation, Morocco, 1-0 in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. This victory secured the Teranga Lions’ second continental title, following their historic 2021 win, and marked the end of a highly successful month for African football. The tournament showcased significant infrastructure improvements in Morocco and set a new standard for sports production and commercial success within the CAF framework.
Looking ahead, the momentum from this tournament is expected to bolster Morocco’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The 35th edition will be remembered for its high-scoring group stage, tactical knockout rounds, and the record-breaking prize pool of $10 million for the winners. As the focus shifts toward the next qualification cycle for AFCON 2027, the landscape of the sport in Africa has undeniably evolved toward a more global and commercially robust era.
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