The countdown has officially begun for CAN 2025 in Morocco, one of the most anticipated football tournaments on the African continent. Scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, this edition promises thrilling matchups, passionate fans, and a celebration of African football excellence.
Morocco Hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco, known for its football heritage and world-class infrastructure, will host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, marking a return to North Africa for the prestigious event. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially released the full competition schedule on Friday, January 31.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on the Atlas Lions, who will enjoy home advantage and enter as tournament favorites. Defending champions Ivory Coast, who lifted the trophy in early 2024, will also be under the spotlight, alongside heavyweights like Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Host Cities and Venues
Matches will be played across six cities and nine stadiums throughout Morocco. The grand finale will be held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, which boasts a capacity of 69,500 seats.
Group Stage Fixtures – CAN 2025 in Morocco
December 21, 2025
- Morocco vs Comoros (Group A) – Opening Match, Rabat
December 22, 2025
- Mali vs Zambia (Group A)
- Egypt vs Zimbabwe (Group B)
- South Africa vs Angola (Group B)
December 23, 2025
- Nigeria vs Tanzania (Group C)
- Tunisia vs Uganda (Group C)
- Senegal vs Botswana (Group D)
- DR Congo vs Benin (Group D)
December 24, 2025
- Algeria vs Sudan (Group E)
- Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea (Group E)
- Ivory Coast vs Mozambique (Group F)
- Cameroon vs Gabon (Group F)
December 26, 2025
- Morocco vs Mali (Group A)
- Zambia vs Comoros (Group A)
- Egypt vs South Africa (Group B)
- Angola vs Zimbabwe (Group B)
December 27, 2025
- Nigeria vs Tunisia (Group C)
- Uganda vs Tanzania (Group C)
- DR Congo vs Senegal (Group D)
- Benin vs Botswana (Group D)
December 28, 2025
- Algeria vs Burkina Faso (Group E)
- Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (Group E)
- Cameroon vs Ivory Coast (Group F)
- Gabon vs Mozambique (Group F)
December 29, 2025
- Morocco vs Zambia (Group A)
- Comoros vs Mali (Group A)
- Egypt vs Angola (Group B)
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Group B)
December 30, 2025
- Nigeria vs Uganda (Group C)
- Tanzania vs Tunisia (Group C)
- Botswana vs DR Congo (Group D)
- Benin vs Senegal (Group D)
December 31, 2025
- Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria (Group E)
- Burkina Faso vs Sudan (Group E)
- Cameroon vs Mozambique (Group F)
- Ivory Coast vs Gabon (Group F)
Knockout Stage Schedule – CAN 2025 in Morocco
Round of 16
- January 3, 2026
- 1st Group D vs 3rd Group B/E/F
- 2nd Group A vs 2nd Group C
- January 4, 2026
- 2nd Group B vs 2nd Group F
- 1st Group A vs 3rd Group C/D/E
- January 5, 2026
- 1st Group B vs 3rd Group A/C/D
- 1st Group C vs 3rd Group A/B/F
- January 6, 2026
- 1st Group F vs 2nd Group E
- 1st Group E vs 2nd Group D
Quarter-finals
- January 9, 2026
- Winner H1 vs Winner H2
- Winner H3 vs Winner H4
- January 10, 2026
- Winner H5 vs Winner H7
- Winner H8 vs Winner H6
Semi-finals
- January 14, 2026
- Winner Q1 vs Winner Q3
- Winner Q4 vs Winner Q2
Third Place Playoff
- January 17, 2026
Final – CAN 2025 in Morocco
- January 18, 2026 – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
With the complete match schedule now public, excitement is building for what promises to be a memorable edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. CAN 2025 in Morocco is not just a football tournament, it’s a celebration of African pride, talent, and unity. As the host nation prepares for kickoff, fans from around the world are already marking their calendars for this landmark event in African sports history.