The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 group stage promises to be a thrilling opening act. With 24 teams split into six groups (A to F), each matchday from 21 December to 31 December sets the tone for the knockout rounds. Below is a breakdown of all the group stage fixtures, plus some context on what to watch in each group. (Schedule based on CAF’s match calendar.)

Group A – Hosts in Focus

Teams: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros

• 21 Dec: Morocco vs Comoros — opening match in Rabat.
• 22 Dec: Mali vs Zambia — second game on Matchday 1.
• 26 Dec: Morocco vs Mali — a likely decider for top spot.
• 26 Dec: Zambia vs Comoros — crucial for qualification.
• 29 Dec: Comoros vs Mali — could be a must‑win for Comoros.
• 29 Dec: Morocco vs Zambia — final group match for both.

What to watch: Morocco, as hosts, will feel the pressure to deliver strong performances in front of home fans. Their games against Comoros and Zambia will be pivotal, while Mali’s physicality could disrupt the Atlas Lions’ rhythm.

Group B – Big Names and Rising Powers

Teams: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe

• 22 Dec: Egypt vs Zimbabwe — in Agadir.
• 22 Dec: South Africa vs Angola — in Marrakech.
• 26 Dec: Egypt vs South Africa — likely to decide top spot.
• 26 Dec: Angola vs Zimbabwe — bottom two clash.
• 29 Dec: Angola vs Egypt — final group game.
• 29 Dec: Zimbabwe vs South Africa — could determine second place.

What to watch: Egypt remains a powerhouse, but South Africa will not be easy to topple. Angola and Zimbabwe could play spoiler in a tough group, especially if top two are closely matched.

Group C – Balanced but Competitive

Teams: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania

• 23 Dec: Nigeria vs Tanzania — in Fès.
• 23 Dec: Tunisia vs Uganda — in Rabat.
• 27 Dec: Uganda vs Tanzania — a key battle for second.
• 27 Dec: Nigeria vs Tunisia — likely the group decider.
• 30 Dec: Nigeria vs Uganda — final group fixture.
• 30 Dec: Tanzania vs Tunisia — potentially decisive.

What to watch: Nigeria are perennial favourites but Uganda and Tunisia have the potential to unsettle. Tanzania could surprise if they bring physical energy and tactical discipline.

Group D – The Dark Horses

Teams: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana

• 23 Dec: Senegal vs Botswana — Tangier showdown.
• 23 Dec: DR Congo vs Benin — at Stade Al Barid, Rabat.
• 27 Dec: DR Congo vs Senegal — likely to shape the top of the group.
• 27 Dec: Benin vs Botswana — bottom-leg fight.
• 30 Dec: Botswana vs DR Congo — final chance for a surprise.
• 30 Dec: Benin vs Senegal — group decider.

What to watch: Senegal will likely aim to dominate, but DR Congo are dangerous and experienced. Benin and Botswana could upset the balance if they play with freedom.

Group E – Tactical Battles Expected

Teams: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan

• 24 Dec: Algeria vs Sudan — opening match for the group.
• 24 Dec: Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea — same matchday in Casablanca.
• 28 Dec: Algeria vs Burkina Faso — likely clash for top spot.
• 28 Dec: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan — crucial for qualification.
• 31 Dec: Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria — final test for both.
• 31 Dec: Burkina Faso vs Sudan — likely the decider for second place.

What to watch: Algeria will be eyeing strong results, but Burkina Faso have shown growth and resilience. Equatorial Guinea are no pushovers, and Sudan could upset if they bring discipline.

Group F – Champions and Challengers

Teams: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

• 24 Dec: Côte d’Ivoire vs Mozambique — in Marrakesh.
• 24 Dec: Cameroon vs Gabon — in Agadir.
• 28 Dec: Gabon vs Mozambique — fight for second place.
• 28 Dec: Cameroon vs Côte d’Ivoire — likely to decide the leader.
• 31 Dec: Mozambique vs Cameroon — final group clash.
• 31 Dec: Côte d’Ivoire vs Gabon — crucial for qualification hopes.

What to watch: Côte d’Ivoire enters as defending champion, expected to challenge for first. Cameroon will push hard, and Gabon vs Mozambique could produce drama. This group could go down to the wire.

Early Storylines to Follow

- Morocco’s run: As hosts, their opening game vs Comoros is symbolic, but the real test comes against Mali and Zambia.

- South Africa dreams: In Group B, a win over Egypt could set them up for a deep run; they’ll need to manage pressure and consistency.

- Balance in Group C: Nigeria’s experience versus Tunisia’s tactical nous and Uganda/Tanzania’s unpredictability could make this a wild card group.

- DR Congo’s aggression: In Group D, DR Congo have the firepower; if they match Senegal’s ambition, they could disrupt the group.

- Algeria’s redemption: After ups and downs in recent tournaments, Algeria will want to assert control in Group E, but Burkina Faso could derail them.

- Ivory Coast’s defence of the crown: In Group F, they’ll be favourites, but Cameroon and Gabon won’t let them cruise — every game could count.

Fan Tips and What to Expect

- Travel matters: With venues spread across Rabat, Agadir, Marrakech, Fès and Tangier, fans should plan carefully — some matchdays will involve travel between cities.

- Matchday atmospheres: Expect packed stadiums for marquee games (like Morocco vs Comoros) and really passionate local support, especially in Rabat, Tangier and Marrakech.

- Tickets: The CAF ticketing platform lists all group-stage matches, with a range of pricing tiers.

- Watch for tactical battles: Coaches will use the group stage to balance squad rotation and intensity; some of the mid-tier teams could produce surprise results.

As the continent’s best teams gather under the Moroccan skies for AFCON 2025, the group stage promises to deliver a mix of high stakes, emotion and tactical intrigue. Whether you're travelling in for the games or watching from home, the first 10 days of the tournament will set the tone — and could hint at who will lift the trophy on 18 January.