AFCON 2025: What You Need to Know Right Now

Are you itching to catch the action of the African Cup of Nations this year? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find the essential details – dates, venues, teams, and how to watch every match without missing a beat.

When and Where: Full Fixture Overview

The tournament kicks off on June 8, 2025 and runs through July 2, 2025. Ten stadiums across three host nations will see the games, with the biggest showcase – the final – set for the iconic National Stadium in Lagos. The early group stage features a tight schedule: most teams play three matches in a week, so expect plenty of mid‑week excitement.

To make planning easy, here’s a quick cheat‑sheet of the opening matches:

• June 8 – Opening ceremony and match: Egypt vs Ghana (Lagos)
• June 10 – Morocco vs Nigeria (Abuja)
• June 12 – Senegal vs Cameroon (Accra)

Check the official AFCON app or the tournament website for real‑time updates – they push notifications for any kick‑off changes.

Who’s Playing: Teams and Key Players to Watch

All 24 qualified nations are back, but a few storylines stand out. Egypt and Senegal both bring seasoned squads that missed the 2023 edition, while newcomers like Guinea-Bissau aim for a breakthrough. Keep an eye on these stars:

• Mauricio (Algeria) – the striker who’s netted 15 goals in the last two qualifiers.
• Samuel Kofi (Ghana) – a midfield engine known for his work rate and long‑range strikes.
• Farid El‑Mansour (Egypt) – a young winger who’s already drawn interest from European clubs.

Each team’s official social channels release squad lists a week before the opener, so follow them for the latest injury news.

Now, how do you actually watch the matches? If you’re in India, the tournament is broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed via Disney+ Hotstar. For viewers outside the sub‑continent, services like ESPN+ (US) and BBC iPlayer (UK) hold the rights. Most platforms offer a free trial period – perfect for testing the stream quality before you commit.

Don’t rely solely on TV schedules; the official AFCON app provides a live‑score feed, push alerts for goal notifications, and even a “watch‑party” feature that syncs your stream with friends.

Ticket fans, take note: early‑bird tickets for group‑stage games are selling fast. The official ticket portal opens tickets two months before the tournament, with pricing based on seat category. If you miss the first wave, a secondary market appears a week before each match, but prices can jump 30‑50%.

Lastly, make the most of the fan experience. Many host cities set up fan zones with giant screens, food stalls, and live music. These zones are free and a great way to soak up the atmosphere without a pricey stadium seat.

With the schedule set, teams announced, and streaming options clarified, you’re ready to enjoy AFCON 2025 to the fullest. Grab your jersey, set your reminders, and get ready for some unforgettable football moments.