AFCON 2025: Teams qualified for the Round of 16 so far

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is edging closer to the knockout phase, with the Round of 16 set to begin in early January as Africa’s top nations battle for continental glory.

The Round of 16 matches will take place from 3–6 January 2026, followed by the quarter-finals on 9 and 10 January. The semi-finals are scheduled for 13 January, with the final set for 18 January in Rabat, where Africa’s next champions will be crowned.

Related Article: Haller and Kessie lead Ivory Coast to magical home AFCON title over Nigeria

As the group stage reaches its decisive final round, several teams have already done enough to book their places in the knockout rounds.

Teams Qualified for the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 (Confirmed)

The following nations have officially qualified for the Round of 16 after winning their opening group matches:

• Nigeria
• Egypt
• Algeria
• South Africa
• Morocco
• Mali

These teams are guaranteed a place in the knockout phase regardless of the outcomes of their remaining group fixtures.

Qualification still open for other teams

Only a handful of teams have sealed qualification so far, with several Round of 16 spots still up for grabs heading into the final group games.

• The top two teams in each group qualify automatically
• The best third-placed teams across the groups will also advance

This means late drama remains very much on the table, a familiar theme in AFCON tournaments.

Group-by-Group snapshot ahead of Final Matches

• Group A: Hosts Morocco lead with four points. Mali and Zambia are level on two, while Comoros remain in contention.
• Group B: Egypt are through. South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe are battling for the remaining spot(s).
• Group C: Nigeria are qualified. Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda are still fighting for progression.
• Group D: Senegal and DR Congo lead, but Benin remain within reach.
• Group E: Algeria are through. Burkina Faso and Sudan are level on points.
• Group F: Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are locked on points, with Mozambique still in contention.

Related:

• AFCON 2025: Appollis’ late penalty sends South Africa past Zimbabwe into last 16
• Nigeria edge Tunisia 3–2 in AFCON thriller to book last-16 spot
• 2025 AFCON: Salah sends 10-man Egypt into last 16 with win over South Africa

Final Group-Stage Fixtures (GMT)

Monday, 29 December
16:00 — Angola vs Egypt
16:00 — Zimbabwe vs South Africa
19:00 — Zambia vs Morocco
19:00 — Comoros vs Mali

Tuesday, 30 December
16:00 — Uganda vs Nigeria
16:00 — Tanzania vs Tunisia
19:00 — Benin vs Senegal
19:00 — Botswana vs DR Congo

Wednesday, 31 December
16:00 — Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria
16:00 — Sudan vs Burkina Faso
19:00 — Gabon vs Côte d’Ivoire
19:00 — Mozambique vs Cameroon

AFCON rarely follows a script, and the final round of group games promises decisive twists before the knockout stage begins.

SportsLigue