The 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025/2026) is Africa’s premier football championship featuring 24 national teams competing in Morocco from 21 December 2025/2026 to 18 January 2026. This definitive, SEO-optimized guide covers every group stage match, dates, teams, venues, strategic analysis, and outlooks — meticulously designed to serve Thai & SEA slot traffic and optimized for search engines.

📌 Quick Reference: 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025/2026) Tournament at a Glance

This guide dives deep into each group’s fixtures, dates, tactical expectations, and what fans — especially viewers in Thailand and SEA — need to know.

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🏆 Understanding the AFCON 2025/2026/2026 Group Stage Format

The AFCON 2025/2026/2026 group stage features six groups (A–F) of four teams each. Teams play round-robin matches, with:

✔ Top 2 from each group advancing
✔ Plus the four best third-placed teams also progressing to the Round of 16.

This extended format ensures intense competition and strategic matchups from the first whistle.

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🔥 Group A Fixtures – Hosts & Key Highlights

Teams: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group Location: Rabat & Casablanca

📅 Match Schedule

Group Synopsis:
Morocco begins its campaign in front of a home crowd in Rabat, immediately putting pressure on rivals Mali and Zambia. Comoros — the underdogs — are skilled at upsetting big teams, making this group fiercely balanced.

SEA Viewing Tip: Thailand viewers should note that local broadcast times will differ due to time zones — typically +1 GMT in Morocco vs +7 GMT in Thailand.

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🔥 Group B Fixtures – “Battle of Titans”

Teams: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group Cities: Agadir & Marrakech

📅 Match Schedule

Group Synopsis:
This group features historic rivals Egypt and South Africa. Egypt’s size and continental pedigree make them favorites here, but South Africa’s tactical play can cause upsets. Angola and Zimbabwe add unpredictability, making this group one of the most watched in AFCON 2025/2026/2026.

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🔥 Group C Fixtures – West & East Clash

Teams: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group Cities: Fès & Rabat

📅 Match Schedule

Group Synopsis:
Super Eagles of Nigeria open against Tanzania, a tactical test requiring clinical finishing. Tunisia’s organization and Uganda’s growing resilience shape this as another highly balanced group.

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🔥 Group D Fixtures – Central & Southern African Rivalries

Teams: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group Cities: Tangier & Rabat

📅 Match Schedule

Group Synopsis:
Senegal and DR Congo headline this group with dynamic, physical styles. Senegal’s attacking prowess contrasts with DR Congo’s powerful midfield dominance, while Benin and Botswana pose unpredictable threats.

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🔥 Group E Fixtures – North African Dominance Test

Teams: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group Cities: Rabat & Casablanca

📅 Match Schedule

Group Synopsis:
Algeria’s technical discipline and Burkina Faso’s impressive pace make this a group where tactical nuance decides progression. Equatorial Guinea and Sudan bring dynamic, pace-oriented football that can cause surprises.

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🔥 Group F Fixtures – “The Group of Champions”

Teams: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Group Cities: Marrakech & Agadir

📅 Match Schedule

Group Synopsis:
2023 champions Ivory Coast open against Mozambique, promising a tactical battle of sharp counterattacks. Cameroon and Gabon offer physicality and flair — this “Group of Champions” could determine a dark horse contender.

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📈 How to Watch AFCON 2025/2026 in Thailand & SEA

📺 Broadcast / Streaming Tips:

• Thailand viewers can expect live coverage via regional sports networks.

• Check local networks and streaming partners, often showing matches in evening and night local times for peak SEA engagement.

• Adjust your schedule: Morocco (GMT+1) vs Thailand (GMT+7) means typical match times shift sevens hours ahead (e.g., 8pm in Morocco = 2am in Thailand).

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⚽ Why AFCON 2025/2026 Matters for Football Fans in Asia

Africa’s football spectacle delivers:
✔ Breakout talents for European scouts
✔ Intense tactical play unknown to many Asian fans
✔ Future stars likely to feature at the 2026 World Cup

For SEA football bettors and enthusiasts, understanding group dynamics and fixture schedules is critical for predictions and live match engagement.

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🧠 Expert Tips for Predictions & Betting Insights

🎯 Group A: Morocco favored due to home advantage
🎯 Group B: Egypt likely top spot, but South Africa could upset
🎯 Group C: Nigeria vs Tunisia is a key decider
🎯 Group D: Senegal vs DR Congo major tactical contest
🎯 Group E: Algeria’s organization vs Burkina Faso’s speed
🎯 Group F: Ivory Coast favorites but Cameroon dangerous

Focus on squad form, injuries, and head-to-head history when making predictions.

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📌 Final Thoughts

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025/2026) promises thrilling, unpredictable group stage action across six competitive pools. Whether you’re a fan in Thailand or across the SEA region, this match-by-match guide equips you with schedules, contexts, and tactical angles to follow the tournament like a pro.

Stay tuned here for upcoming round of 16 predictions, knockout breakdowns, and Asian-friendly viewing guides as AFCON 2025/2026/2026 unfolds!