AFCON 2025 bracket and knockout stage explained

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) will be hosted in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The competition will feature 24 nations, six venues, and five host cities; Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, Fez, and Marrakesh.

As always, the tournament will begin with a group stage before progressing to a knockout round that culminates in the grand final in Rabat.

Here’s a full breakdown of how the AFCON 2025 bracket and knockout stage will unfold.

All roads lead to Morocco. 🇲🇦

From Africa. For Africa.
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— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 22, 2025

AFCON Group stage explained

The 24 participating nations have been split into six groups (A–F) of four teams each. Every team will play three matches during the group stage, and the top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed sides will advance to the AFCON 2025 Round of 16.

Each group will be based in a designated host city and stadium:

Group A – Rabat (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium)
Group B – Agadir (Adrar Stadium)
Group C – Fez (Fez Stadium)
Group D – Tangier (Ibn Batouta Stadium)
Group E – Rabat (Moulay Hassan Stadium)
Group F – Marrakesh (Marrakesh Stadium)

The group stage matches will determine not just who progresses, but also how the AFCON 2025 knockout bracket is formed.

Ranking of third-placed teams

After all group matches are completed, the four best third-placed teams across the six groups will qualify for the Round of 16. Rankings are determined by points earned, then goal difference, goals scored, and finally fair play or drawing of lots if required.

Pos	Group	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification
1	A	A3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Advance to knockout stage
2	B	B3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Advance to knockout stage
3	C	C3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Advance to knockout stage
4	D	D3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	Advance to knockout stage
5	E	E3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—
6	F	F3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

AFCON 2025 bracket and knockout stage

The knockout phase begins with the Round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place playoff, and the final. Every knockout fixture will be decided over a single match, with extra time and penalties used if necessary.

ICONSPORT 241672 0016 — Photo by Icon Sport

AFCON Round of 16

3 January – Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: Runner-up Group A vs Runner-up Group C
3 January – Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Winner Group D vs 3rd Group B/E/F
4 January – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Winner Group A vs 3rd Group C/D/E
4 January – Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium, Rabat: Runner-up Group B vs Runner-up Group F
5 January – Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Winner Group B vs 3rd Group A/C/D
6 January – Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh: Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group E
6 January – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Winner Group E vs Runner-up Group D
9 January – Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group E