The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was conducted in Rabat, setting the stage for the tournament that will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Host nation Morocco will open the competition against the Comoros Islands in Rabat, while defending champions Ivory Coast begin their title defense against Mozambique.
Group Stage Highlights:
- Group A: Hosts Morocco headline the group alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
- Group B: A rivalry rekindles as Egypt and South Africa are drawn together, accompanied by Angola and Zimbabwe.
- Group C: Nigeria will begin their quest for a first AFCON title since 2013, facing Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- Group D: Reigning champions Senegal will compete against DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana, who make their second-ever AFCON appearance.
- Group E: Algeria, seeking redemption after two consecutive early exits, will take on Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
- Group F: Ivory Coast face a tough group with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.
The defending champions, Ivory Coast, will play their opening match against Mozambique on December 24 in Marrakesh. The group also features a highly anticipated clash against five-time winners Cameroon. Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, completes this competitive group.
Tournament Structure:
The 24-team tournament is divided into six groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages.
Key Matchups and Storylines:
- Opening Match: Morocco vs. Comoros in Rabat on December 21.
- Group F Rivalry: Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon promises to be one of the most exciting encounters of the group stage.
- Algeria’s Redemption: After early exits in the last two tournaments, Algeria finds itself in a favorable group and will aim to make a strong comeback.
Morocco, placed in Group A as top seeds, will be aiming to leverage home advantage. Meanwhile, teams like Egypt, Senegal, and Nigeria are looking to reclaim glory in Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.
The final will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. As the countdown to the tournament begins, all eyes are on the teams and their preparations to lift the coveted AFCON trophy.