AFCON 2025: Dates, Groups, and How to Watch Online

The biggest spectacle in African football is coming: check out the dates, learn about the groups, and find out where to watch AFCON online.

Can you feel the energy? AFCON is the continent’s premier football showcase, and the 2025 edition promises to be historic.

With Morocco as host, expectations are sky-high, especially after the Moroccan national team’s World Cup performance. Will home advantage be decisive?

In this article, you’ll find recommendations for apps and channels to watch every moment of this great tournament!

We’ve prepared a complete guide for you to dive into AFCON 2025, with everything you need to know about the schedule, teams, where to watch, and essential travel tips.

1. Quick Guide to AFCON 2025

Morocco is preparing to host AFCON, one of the most anticipated events in world football.

The combination of modern infrastructure and passionate fans ensures an unparalleled atmosphere across all host cities.

• Key event dates: The tournament will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, extending the football celebration into the New Year.
• Host cities and stadiums: Matches will be held in 9 stadiums across 6 main cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fes. This geographic diversity gives visitors a chance to experience different facets of Morocco’s rich culture.
• Final stage: The champion will be crowned on January 18, 2026, at the majestic Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

The format keeps excitement at its peak: 24 teams divided into 6 groups of 4.

The competition heats up in the knockout stage, starting with the round of 16. Every goal will be vital for progression.

2. AFCON 2025: Channels and Platforms in Africa

If you are on the continent, AFCON 2025 broadcast options are varied and offer different levels of experience.

SABC Sport and SABC Plus (South Africa)

For fans in South Africa, SABC coverage is excellent.

SABC ensures that all 52 matches are broadcast, both on free-to-air TV and via streaming.

• Full Accessibility: Free broadcast on SABC 2 and SABC Sport.
  
• Free Streaming: The SABC Plus platform allows you to watch all matches on your mobile or tablet at no cost.
  
• Detailed Commentary: Enjoy tactical analysis and live commentary.

SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa)

For a premium, uninterrupted experience with top quality, SuperSport (available to DStv and GOtv subscribers) is the ideal choice.

• Superior Picture Quality: All matches broadcast in high definition.
  
• Fan Features: Detailed statistics, personalized goal alerts, and in-depth analysis from renowned commentators.

Canal+ (Francophone Countries)

The leading broadcaster in Francophone Africa, Canal+, provides a complete immersion for fans who like to understand the strategy behind the game.

• Expert Mode: A tech feature offering real-time stats and player comparisons as the match unfolds.
  
• Exclusive Content: Access to over 200 channels, replays, and interactive content enriching the experience.

3. How to Watch AFCON 2025 in Different Countries

AFCON 2025 passion is global, and there are platforms ensuring full coverage, no matter where you are.

beIN Sports (USA)

In the United States, beIN Sports is the exclusive channel for the tournament, broadcasting all 52 matches.

• Completely Covered: In-depth pre- and post-match analysis by expert commentators.
  
• Streaming Options: Platforms like FuboTV and Sling TV include beIN Sports in their packages, offering flexibility and features such as DVR recording, essential if match times are inconvenient.

DAZN (Central Europe)

For viewers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, DAZN serves as the primary platform.

It is recognized for its easy-to-use interface and top-notch streaming quality.

• Guaranteed HD: Broadcast in HD to catch every detail on the pitch.
  
• Additional Features: Easy access to stats and thematic highlights.

CAF TV (YouTube): Global Free Option

For those without access to paid platforms, the official CAF YouTube channel is invaluable to follow the tournament.

• Official Highlights: Provides match summaries, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content free and accessible anywhere in the world.
  
• News: The best place for official updates and tournament news.

4. Must-Watch Matches This Edition

The group stage is where the big stories of AFCON are born.

Take note of these crucial dates:

• 21/12/2025: Opening Match – Morocco vs Comoros. The host faces pressure to start with a win, playing in front of an entire nation. Expect a lively atmosphere, with fans filling the stadium to create an electric environment that could inspire Morocco or test their nerves early on.
• 22/12/2025: Egypt vs Zimbabwe. An early chance to see Africa’s most successful team in action. Egypt will aim to assert dominance while testing their defensive organization, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
• 26–31/12/2025: Decisive Group Days. This period marks the heart of AFCON, when every match counts. All eyes will be on Group F, where even a single upset could dramatically change the knockout landscape. Teams must bring their A-game, as surprises are always around the corner.
• 03/01/2026: Start of Knockouts (Round of 16). From this point, every match becomes crucial. Teams must perform at their best, as each game can significantly impact their journey in the tournament.
• 18/01/2026: Grand Final in Rabat. The pinnacle of the tournament, an event that transcends football. Beyond crowning the continent’s champion, it’s a celebration of African talent, culture, and passion, with memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Team Distribution

The draw held on January 27, 2025 set the paths that 24 teams will follow to reach glory in Rabat.

The AFCON group stage is where history begins to be written, and some matchups promise thrilling action from the first whistle.

• Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros. Hosts are expected to advance, but Mali is a force not to be underestimated.
  
• Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe. A group with historical weight.
  
• Group C: Nigeria, Guinea, Angola, Cape Verde. Nigeria is the favorite, but Guinea and Angola can surprise and complicate the path.
  
• Group D: Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, Botswana. The “Lions of Teranga” are clear favorites to lead, but DR Congo is always a team to watch.
  
• Group E: Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, Namibia. A North African classic between Algeria and Tunisia will decide this group’s leader.
  
• Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique. The group features two traditional powerhouses that will play high-intensity matches from the start.
  

6. Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling

If you’ve booked your flight to Morocco for AFCON 2025, check these practical tips to make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable:

• Fan ID: Download the Yalla App and register to get the Fan ID, required for tickets and stadium access.
  
• AEVM: Some African citizens need to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization. There is a deadline for this.
  
• Transport: Prefer trains, trams, and buses on match days; avoid cars near the stadiums.
  
• Accommodation: Book hotels or riads well in advance, as demand will be very high.
  
• Culture: Respect local customs and try typical dishes like tagine, couscous, and the famous mint tea.
  

Definitely, AFCON 2025 will be an unforgettable fusion of top-level football, history, and vibrant culture. Now, you have all the keys to experience the tournament to the fullest!

Conclusion

AFCON 2025 will be more than just a football tournament: it will be a celebration of culture, emotion, and the unity of an entire continent.

With modern stadiums, accessible broadcasts in different countries, and matches that promise historic moments, the competition is already building excitement among millions of fans worldwide.

Now that you know the dates, the groups, and how to watch, all that’s left is to get ready to experience every emotion of this edition, which is set to make history in African football.