DZWatch Exclusive: The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off today, featuring 24 national teams vying for continental glory in a competition spanning until January 18, 2026. This year’s tournament marks a departure from tradition, being held during the winter season, coinciding with the end-of-year festivities.
This unprecedented scheduling shift stems from a combination of factors, including pressure from Morocco to postpone the initial January 2025 start date, coupled with CAF’s deference to FIFA and European clubs who resisted a summer scheduling due to player availability.
Tournament Format: From Kick-off to the Final Whistle
The tournament comprises 24 teams divided into six groups of four. A total of 52 matches will be played over 29 days across nine stadiums in six Moroccan cities. The group stage commences today and runs through December 31st, with each team playing three matches in a round-robin format.
The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16, forming a knockout stage of 16 nations. The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for January 3rd to 6th, 2026, followed by the quarter-finals on January 9th and 10th, and the semi-finals on January 14th.
The third-place play-off will be held on January 17th in Casablanca, while the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will host the highly anticipated final on January 18th. All knockout stage matches will be decided through a single-elimination format.
The Groups: A Breakdown of the Contenders
Group A consists of host nation Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B features Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania make up Group C. Group D includes defending champions Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Algeria, the 2019 champions, are in Group E alongside Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. Finally, Group F comprises Cameroon, reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Mozambique.
