AFCON 2025: Your Quick Guide to Africa’s Biggest Football Festival

If you love football, AFCON 2025 is the event you’ll be talking about all year. It’s the African Cup of Nations, the continent’s premier tournament where 24 nations battle for glory. Below we break down the key details you need – no fluff, just straight facts.

When and Where Is It Happening?

The tournament kicks off on June 12, 2025 and wraps up on July 13, 2025. The host nation is Ivory Coast, with matches spread across four stadiums: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Stade Robert Champroux in Marcory, Stade d'Abengourou and the newly built Stade de San Pedro. All venues meet FIFA standards, so you can expect top‑class pitches and modern facilities.

How Teams Qualified

A total of 24 teams earned their spots through a two‑phase qualification process that began in early 2023. The host Ivory Coast automatically qualified, leaving 23 places up for grabs. The qualifiers were split into ten groups; the group winners and the best runners‑up advanced directly, while the remaining slots were decided via playoffs. Big names like Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana secured their spots early, but there were a few surprise qualifiers such as Sudan and Mali.

Fans love the drama of qualification – you’ll see underdogs pull off upsets that set the tone for an unpredictable tournament. Keep an eye on the group tables; they often change right up to the final matchday.

Ticketing Made Simple

Tickets went on sale in March 2025 through the official AFCON portal. Prices range from $15 for early‑stage group matches to $80 for knockout games. There’s a limited “VIP” package that includes stadium tours and meet‑and‑greet opportunities with former stars, but those sell out fast.

To avoid scams, always buy directly from the official site or approved partners. If you’re traveling from abroad, look into travel bundles that include airfare, hotel, and match tickets – they often save you a decent amount of cash.

What to Expect on the Pitch

The playing style at AFCON tends to be fast‑paced, physical, and full of flair. Teams like Senegal bring solid defense backed by star forwards, while nations such as Nigeria rely on speed down the wings. Expect a mix of tactical battles and moments of individual brilliance – think of it as a showcase for African talent before many players head to Europe’s top leagues.

Key match‑ups to watch: Egypt vs. Algeria (a classic rivalry), South Africa vs. Ghana (young squads eager to prove themselves), and the host nation Ivory Coast playing its opening game – that one always draws a massive crowd.

How to Follow the Action

If you can’t be there in person, don’t worry. Broadcasters across the continent have secured rights: SuperSport (Southern Africa), Canal+ (West/Central Africa) and BBC Sport (UK). Online streams are available via the official AFCON app, which also offers live stats, player profiles, and highlights.

Social media is buzzing during match days – follow #AFCON2025 on Twitter and Instagram for real‑time updates, fan reactions, and behind‑the‑scenes clips. Many fans set up watch parties in local cafés, so you’ll find a lively atmosphere even if you’re watching from home.

That’s the rundown. Whether you’re planning a trip to Ivory Coast or just want to keep tabs on the scores, AFCON 2025 promises excitement, drama, and some of the best football Africa has to offer. Grab your tickets, tune in, and enjoy the ride!