The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across four Moroccan cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Marrakesh. The official schedule lists 24 teams competing in six groups, with the opening match Morocco vs Cameroon on Dec 22 and the final set for Jan 18 at Stade Mohammed V.
Full Tournament Calendar
Group Stage Overview
The 24‑team field is divided into six groups of four. Group matches commence on Wednesday, December 22, with the first fixtures held at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca and Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
- Opening Match (Dec 22, 20:00 CET): Morocco vs Cameroon – debut for the hosts at Stade Mohammed V.
- Group Stage Climax (Dec 28‑30): Final round‑robin games decide the 16 teams advancing to the knockout phase.
- Round of 16 (Jan 1‑2): Matches played in the same venues as the opening game, ensuring consistent pitch conditions.
- Quarter‑Finals (Jan 5‑6): Two games in Casablanca, two in Marrakesh.
- Semi‑Finals (Jan 10): Double‑header in Rabat, echoing the 2025 final venue.
- Third‑Place Play‑off (Jan 14) & Final (Jan 18, 22:00 CET): Both staged at Stade Mohammed V.
Broadcast Reach and Viewing Options
Television listings cover major broadcasters across Africa and Europe, with live streaming options available for international audiences. Prime‑time finals at 22:00 CET are positioned to attract both African night‑owl viewers and European fans, maximizing global ratings.
Key Implications for Teams and Fans
Strategic Planning
With exact kick‑off times confirmed, coaches can tailor training cycles to each city’s climate: Casablanca’s coastal breeze, Rabat’s cooler evenings, and Marrakesh’s desert heat require distinct preparation strategies.
Ticketing and Tourism
The clarified venue list enables rapid ticket sales and travel packages. Early bookings are already surging, especially from French‑speaking African nations that traditionally travel in large numbers for AFCON.
Competitive Landscape and Group Highlights
Group C – Defending Champions in a Tough Pool
Group C pits defending champions Senegal against second‑ranked Egypt and rising Algerian talent, creating a high‑stakes opening round that could decide early tournament narratives.
Group F – Ghana, Nigeria and Surprise Challengers
Group F features a rejuvenated Ghana side, Nigeria, and the surprise qualifiers Ivory Coast, setting the stage for potential early upsets and shifting power dynamics.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 AFCON promises more than a tournament; it is a cultural celebration that unites the continent under a shared passion. Morocco’s experience from 2025—both triumphs and logistical lessons—has laid a solid foundation. With a clear schedule, modernised stadiums and an ever‑rising level of talent, the competition is poised to deliver drama, flair and unforgettable moments that will shape the future hierarchy of African football.
