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AFCON, The Complete AfricaPicks Guide
The Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship international football tournament and one of the most unpredictable competitions in the global game. With national pride, travel demands and tactical variance all in play, AFCON consistently produces tight matches and high-stakes football.
This guide explains how the tournament works, from qualification through to the final.
What is AFCON?
The Africa Cup of Nations is the senior men’s national team championship organised by CAF. The tournament brings together the best teams from across the continent to compete for Africa’s biggest international trophy.
AFCON 2025 will be hosted by Morocco and played from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, shifting the competition into a winter window to avoid clashes with domestic leagues and extreme summer conditions.
How often is AFCON played?
AFCON has traditionally been staged every two years. CAF has indicated a move toward a longer cycle in future editions, although the competition remains biennial for the current cycle.
Tournament size, groups and structure
AFCON features 24 teams, divided into six groups of four. Each team plays three group matches, with the tournament consisting of 52 matches in total from the opening game to the final.
Group stage points system
Teams are ranked using the standard international points system:
- Win: 3 points
- Draw: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
Group stage tiebreakers
Tiebreakers at AFCON prioritise direct results over overall group statistics.
If two teams finish level on points, rankings are decided by:
- Head to head points
- Head to head goal difference
- Head to head goals scored
- Overall goal difference
- Overall goals scored
- Drawing of lots
If three or more teams are tied, CAF applies a mini-table using only matches between the tied teams before reverting to overall group statistics if needed.
These rules often shape late group-stage tactics, especially in final round matches.
Qualification for the knockout stage
From the six groups:
- The top two teams in each group qualify automatically
- The four best third-placed teams across all groups also advance
This creates a 16-team knockout bracket, beginning with the Round of 16.
Knockout stage format
From the Round of 16 onwards, AFCON is played as straight knockout football. If a match is level after 90 minutes, extra time is played, followed by a penalty shootout if required.
There is no replay system. Every knockout match produces a winner on the day.
Hosts and future tournaments
- AFCON 2025: Morocco
- AFCON 2027: Jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda
CAF has indicated longer-term scheduling adjustments beyond 2028, with future editions expected to align more closely with international calendars.
Why AFCON is a unique tournament
AFCON differs from most international competitions due to its travel demands, climate variation, emotional intensity and tactical caution. Matches are often tighter, more physical and more game-state driven than in club football.
Group stages regularly produce low-scoring matches, while knockout rounds introduce volatility through late goals, extra time and penalties. Understanding these dynamics is essential when analysing AFCON matches.