AFCON 2025: Quick Guide for Fans

AFCON 2025 is the next big moment for African football. Whether you follow Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal or Morocco, this page brings the essentials: how the tournament works, who to watch, and practical tips for following games live. No fluff—just the info you need before kickoff.

Format, qualifiers and who’s in

The Africa Cup of Nations has used a 24-team group stage since 2019, and that stays the same for 2025. Teams qualify through regional groups and playoffs—expect familiar faces like Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Ghana and Cameroon. That mix of established powers and rising squads means surprises are common. Keep an eye on qualification rounds and final group draws; a tough group can knock out big names early.

If you want to track qualification quickly, use CAF’s official site, follow national FA feeds on social media, or set alerts in live-score apps. Those tools give real-time lineups, suspended players, and last-minute changes that matter when you're planning to watch or travel.

Favorites, dark horses and players to watch

Senegal and Morocco have strong squads and experience in big tournaments. Egypt’s history in AFCON makes them dangerous, and Nigeria always brings talent and speed. But don’t ignore teams like Tunisia, Algeria or an improving Ghana side—they can turn a group upside down.

Players to watch are often the ones in Europe’s top leagues: forwards who score regularly, wingers who create chances, and defenders who command the back line. Young stars from local leagues can also break out—AFCON is where many players grab global attention.

Want specific names? Check match previews and squad announcements close to the tournament. Those lists change with injuries and form. A last-minute call-up can become the tournament’s surprise hero.

Practical fan tips: buy tickets only from official channels, register with your national FA if they run ticket lotteries, and arrive early at stadiums for security checks. If you travel, book flexible fares—schedules and venues sometimes shift.

Broadcasting varies by country. Local sports networks usually get rights across Africa, while international streaming platforms may carry selected matches. Use official CAF channels, national broadcasters, and trusted streaming services. Follow match highlights on social platforms for quick recaps.

On this site we’ll track AFCON 2025 news, squad updates and major match moments. Bookmark our tag page to see match reports, analysis and travel tips as they appear. Want quick background now? Read our piece on Africa’s World Cup qualifying race for context on team form and momentum.

Ready for AFCON 2025? Follow the qualifiers, pick your team, and set alerts for match days. The tournament always delivers drama—go in prepared and enjoy the football.

Related reads on Ginger Apple News: "World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia Shape Africa’s Race" — check it for context on form and key players heading into AFCON.