EXPLAINERSport|Africa Cup of NationsAFCON 2025: Who is playing in the round of 16? All to knowAs the Africa Cup of Nations enters the knockout phase, Al Jazeera previews the last-16 matchups in Morocco.
## Sports Update: AFCON Round of 16 Fixtures
Sports Update: AFCON Round of 16 Fixtures
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) progresses into the knockout stage with the round of 16 commencing on Sat, Jan 3, 2026. Below is an overview of the eight fixtures scheduled to take place:
Senegal, the pre-tournament favorites, will face Sudan in the round-of-16. Senegal emerged at the top of Group D with seven points, while Sudan, ranked 117th, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group E.
Mali, Group A runners-up, will compete against Tunisia, the second-placed team from Group C. Mali progressed with three draws, while Tunisia advanced with one win and one draw.
Where : Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Hosts Morocco, ranked 11th globally, will play against Tanzania. Morocco topped Group A with seven points, while Tanzania advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from Group C.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) progresses into the knockout stage with the round of 16 commencing on Sat, Jan 3, 2026.
South Africa, Group B runners-up, will face Cameroon, who progressed as Group F runners-up. South Africa finished the group stage with two wins and one defeat.
Egypt, who led Group B with an unbeaten record, will compete against Benin, who advanced following a victory over Botswana in Group D.
Nigeria, with a perfect group-stage record, will face Mozambique, who are making their first appearance in an AFCON knockout stage after finishing third in Group F.
Algeria, with a perfect record in Group E, will play against DR Congo, who finished as runners-up in Group D.
Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, finished at the top of Group F and will face Burkina Faso, who secured the runners-up spot in Group E.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
