Here are key details such as the qualified countries, fixtures and results to know about the round of 16 of AFCON 2025.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is gradually gaining momentum and here are key details such as the qualified countries, fixtures, etc, to know about the next round of the tournament which is the round of 16.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Qualified Countries
Here are the countries that have qualified for the round of 16 of AFCON 2025:
- Egypt (Group B): The Pharaohs became the first team to qualify after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa. Despite playing with 10 men for a large portion of the match, Mohamed Salah’s clinical penalty ensured they cannot finish lower than the top two.
- Nigeria (Group C): The Super Eagles joined them shortly after, winning a thrilling 3-2 encounter against Tunisia. Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman secured their spot, making them one of the most clinical sides in the tournament so far.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 fixtures
The knockout stage is set to begin on Saturday, January 3, 2026. While many slots are still “To Be Determined” (TBD) based on the final group standings, the path is already laid out.
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | Winner Group D vs. 3rd Place (B/E/F) | Tangier | 16:00 |
| Jan 3 | Runner-up Group A vs. Runner-up Group C | Casablanca | 19:00 |
| Jan 4 | Winner Group A vs. 3rd Place (C/D/E) | Rabat | 16:00 |
| Jan 4 | Runner-up Group B vs. Runner-up Group F | Rabat | 19:00 |
| Jan 5 | Egypt (Winner Group B) vs. 3rd Place (A/C/D) | Agadir | 16:00 |
| Jan 5 | Nigeria (Winner Group C) vs. 3rd Place (A/B/F) | Fez | 19:00 |
| Jan 6 | Winner Group E vs. Runner-up Group D | Rabat | 16:00 |
| Jan 6 | Winner Group F vs. Runner-up Group E | Marrakesh | 19:00 |
What to Watch For
- The Best Third-Placed Teams: Four of the most consistent third-placed teams will advance. This means even teams like Zambia, Mali, or South Africa are still very much in the hunt.
- The Hosts’ Path: Morocco currently leads Group A. If they finish as winners, they will play their Round of 16 match on January 4th in Rabat, likely in front of a sold-out home crowd.
- Defending Champions: Ivory Coast is currently battling Cameroon for the top spot in Group F. Their final group match will determine if they take the “Group Winner” path or a potentially tougher “Runner-up” route.
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