The Ultimate Guide to the African Cup of Nations
The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations takes place in Morocco, marking the first time the tournament has been scheduled during the European winter period. Running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the competition features the standard 24-team format, including reigning champions Ivory Coast and the host nation, Morocco. While the structure remains consistent, starting with a group stage followed by knockout rounds, the scheduling shift allows for the inclusion of players currently active in European leagues without the disruption of a mid-season departure in January. Our schedule provides a definitive guide to following the AFCON on TV coverage as it progresses through the festive period.
African Cup of Nations UK Broadcast Rights
Broadcast rights for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in the UK are held exclusively by Channel 4. Unlike previous tournaments where rights were often shared with pay-TV broadcasters such as Sky Sports, the 2025 edition returns to free-to-air television in its entirety. Channel 4 has confirmed that the entire schedule of AFCON fixtures (all 52 matches) will be broadcast across its network portfolio. Headline fixtures, including the opening match and the final, are scheduled for the main Channel 4 station, while the majority of group stage and early knockout games will be distributed across subsidiary channels E4, More4, and 4Seven. Digital coverage is provided via the Channel 4 app and the broadcaster's YouTube channel, allowing for live streaming and on-demand viewing.
When Does AFCON Start?
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The opening fixture features hosts Morocco against Comoros in Group A, with kick-off scheduled for the evening. The group stages will run through the remainder of December, concluding on the 31st, with the Round of 16 commencing in early January 2026. The competition culminates with the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This specific timing differs from the traditional January-February slot, having been moved to accommodate the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and to align better with the European club calendar.
Where Can I Watch AFCON in the UK?
Viewers in the UK can watch the competition via the Channel 4 network. Coverage is split between linear TV channels (specifically Channel 4, E4, More4, and 4Seven) and digital platforms. For online viewing, live streams are available through the Channel 4 app (formerly All 4) and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel. The specific channel allocation for each match depends on the daily schedule and potential clashes with other programming, so verifying the specific listings on the WheresTheMatch schedule is recommended before kick-off.
Why is AFCON 2025 being played in December?
The 2025 edition was originally planned for the summer months but was rescheduled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The shift to the December 2025 – January 2026 window was implemented primarily to avoid a direct scheduling conflict with the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the US in mid-2025. Additionally, the move mitigates concerns regarding the high summer temperatures in North Africa, ensuring safer playing conditions for the athletes compared to a June-July timeline.