Here is all you need to know about AFCON 2025 – ahead of Africa’s biggest football tournament

Great news for British viewers

AFCON 2025 begins on the last weekend before Christmas and ends on the third week of January, so this scheduling is what feels new and exciting about the tournament.

This year’s host nation, Morocco, is hosting for the first time since 1988, as a result of long-term investments in infrastructure and the upgraded stadiums across the country.

Where will matches be played?

Matches will be played in six cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier.

Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat is where the grand final will take place, on 18 January.

The tournament that is starting on 21 December will feature 24 teams, in six groups of four.

What about the qualifying process?

The qualifying process on to the next round is simple: two teams advance from each group and four best third placed teams also advance for the knockout round.

Things start to get even more exciting once 16 teams advance to the knockout stage, as each match is single elimination, with no return legs.

Who are the AFCON 2025 title favourites?

Morocco is full of belief in the competition, not simply for being the host nation but also considering their recent World Cup success and their squad which has players with European pedigree.

Meanwhile, the pressure might be on Ivory Coast who are the current title holders and defending the AFCON title is a rare occurrence.

What football clubs are affected?

While football fans will enjoy the unique fixtures during the holiday season, Premier League teams will have many absentees in their squads as a result of the players that have been called up by their national teams.

Prem sides will have their squad depths tested in their December and January fixtures, with some teams missing more players than others.

How can you watch the AFCON 2025 games?

Brits will be glad to hear that they can watch any game they please, as the competition will be free to air in the UK, with Channel 4 broadcasting AFCON 2025 live.

Arguably, this year’s competition reaches wider audiences in large part due to its exposure during the Christmas and New Year period.