2025/2026 AFCON: Complete Guide, Predictions, Fixtures, Winners & What It Means for African Football
The 2025/2026 AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) represents one of the most compelling chapters in African football history — a showcase of elite competition, national pride, tactical football evolution, and continental legacy. This expanded and rescheduled edition brings 24 nations together in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, blending passionate fan experiences with world-class performances. Globally recognized as Africa’s pinnacle football tournament, AFCON showcases national teams competing not only for continental glory but also for strategic development and wider CAF impact across the sport.
What Is the 2025/2026 AFCON?
The 2025/2026 AFCON, officially the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, is a biennial international men’s association football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is hosted by Morocco, marking its second time staging the tournament after previously doing so in 1988.
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Dates: 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
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Host Country: Morocco
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Number of Teams: 24 qualified national teams
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Defending Champions: Ivory Coast
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Reason for the 2025/2026 schedule shift: The tournament was moved from summer dates to avoid clashes with an expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
The competition adapts a group stage followed by knockout rounds, climaxing in the grand final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
For more detailed historical context and legacy of the tournament, see the Wikipedia page on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
History & Significance of AFCON
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been held since 1957, making it one of the oldest continental football championships outside Europe and South America. Over the decades, it has evolved into a platform where emerging talent meets established stars, contributing profoundly to the growth of African football on the global stage.
Historically:
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Egypt holds the record for most AFCON wins.
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Teams like Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast have been perennial powerhouses.
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The tournament has unearthed legends and elevated African football identity worldwide.
This edition’s unique scheduling (spanning the New Year period) and competitive intensity reflect CAF’s evolving strategy to elevate AFCON’s global footprint.
Host & Stadiums
The 2025/2026 AFCON is played across nine venues in six Moroccan cities, including:
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Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat) — Host of the Final. Wikipedia
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Mohammed V Stadium (Casablanca)
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Ibn Batouta Stadium (Tangier)
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Fez Stadium (Fez)
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Marrakech Stadium (Marrakech)
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Adrar Stadium (Agadir)
Host Morocco’s infrastructural investments underscore its ambitions in both sport and tourism, aiming to deliver world-class tournament experiences.
2025/2026 AFCON Format & Group Stage
The 24 teams are divided into six groups (A–F), with the top two teams from each group plus the four best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16. Fulltimepredict
Group Breakdown
Group A:
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Morocco (hosts)
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Mali
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Zambia
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Comoros
Group B:
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Egypt
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South Africa
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Angola
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Zimbabwe
Group C:
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Nigeria
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Tunisia
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Uganda
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Tanzania
Group D:
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Senegal
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DR Congo
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Benin
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Botswana
Group E:
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Algeria
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Burkina Faso
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Equatorial Guinea
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Sudan
Group F:
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Ivory Coast
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Cameroon
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Gabon
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Mozambique
Each group offers tactical battles and storylines — from host Morocco’s high expectations to Ivory Coast’s title defense aspirations.
Key Players to Watch
The 2025/2026 AFCON is rich with talent:
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Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) — Playmaker and captain.
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Mohamed Salah (Egypt) — Veteran goal threat.
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Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) — Dynamic forward.
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Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) — Emerging star.
These players highlight the blend of club-level excellence and national pride driving AFCON narratives.
Predictions & Betting Insights
From an analytical standpoint, several teams pose serious title threats:
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Morocco: High home advantage and tactical discipline.
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Ivory Coast: Defending champions with a cohesive squad.
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Senegal & Nigeria: Deep squads with international star power.
Predictive models also suggest that group dynamics and third-place advancement could provide upsets — underscoring the unpredictability that makes AFCON compelling.
Media, Broadcasting & Global Reach
The 2025/2026 AFCON has expansive broadcasting agreements, with major networks across Africa, Europe, and the Americas showcasing matches live. Free-to-air streaming options are also available in select regions, broadening viewership and engagement.
Major platforms include:
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beIN Sports
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Channel 4 (UK free-to-air)
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Regional broadcasters with extensive reach.
Impact on African Football
The AFCON’s influence extends beyond the trophy:
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Player visibility: Exceptional performances often lead to transfers to top global clubs.
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Tactical evolution: Coaches and teams innovate styles, blending African flair with disciplined systems.
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Economic uplift: Host nations benefit from tourism, infrastructure development, and brand exposure.
This edition’s timing — bridging calendar years and integrating with a shifting global football calendar — adds strategic relevance for club and national interests alike.
Recommended Internal Resource
To enhance your understanding of correct predictions and match forecasts for AFCON results, see our expert guide on Multi Correct Score Predictions for Major Tournaments — a practical resource for betting analytics and scoreline forecasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What dates will the 2025/2026 AFCON take place?
AFCON runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.
Q2: How many teams participate?
24 national teams compete in group and knockout stages.
Q3: Which team won the last AFCON?
Ivory Coast are the defending champions. Wikipedia
Q4: Where is the final being played?
The final takes place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Q5: How can I watch AFCON matches worldwide?
Matches are broadcast on major sports networks, with some regions offering free streaming options.
Conclusion
The 2025/2026 AFCON stands as a pivotal moment in African football, bringing together tradition, global attention, elite competition, and national passion. From Morocco’s hosting responsibilities to the tactical prowess of Africa’s brightest stars, the tournament offers unforgettable moments and long-term impact for players, coaches, fans, and analysts alike.
Whether you are following results, making predictions, or simply appreciating the game’s cultural significance, this edition of AFCON promises historic narratives and competitive intensity at every stage.
For deeper score predictions and analytical insights into tournament results, visit kingofcorrectscore.com’s match prediction resources and guides.
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