AFCON 2025: Full Group List and What to Expect from Africa’s Biggest Football Tournament

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. As Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, AFCON 2025 promises thrilling encounters, fierce rivalries, and a showcase of the continent’s finest football talents. With 24 teams competing across six Moroccan cities, fans can expect a month of high-intensity action.

AFCON 2025 Group Stage Draw

The official group stage draw, conducted on January 27, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, resulted in the following group allocations:

Group A: Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia & Comoros

Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola & Zimbabwe

Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania

Group D: Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin & Botswana

Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea & Sudan

Group F: Ivory Coast (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon & Mozambique

Tournament Format and Key Fixtures

AFCON 2025 will follow the traditional format, with six groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16. This format ensures that even underdogs have a chance to progress to the knockout stages.

The tournament kicks off with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros in Rabat on December 21. Meanwhile, defending champions Ivory Coast will begin their title defense against Mozambique on December 24 in Marrakesh.

What to Expect

With all the football powerhouses vying for the trophy, AFCON 2025 is expected to deliver high-stakes drama. However, emerging teams like Comoros and Botswana could spring surprises. As the host nation, Morocco will look to capitalize on home advantage and add a second AFCON title to their name, having last won in 1976.

Football fans across Africa and beyond eagerly await the tournament, anticipating a thrilling display of skill, passion, and the unifying spirit of African football.

What are your expectations?

What team are you rooting for?