AFCON 2025 Knockouts Locked In: Quarter-finals Set for Jan 9-10, Semis Jan 13, Final in Rabat Jan 18
Table of Contents
- 1. AFCON 2025 Knockouts Locked In: Quarter-finals Set for Jan 9-10, Semis Jan 13, Final in Rabat Jan 18
- 2. Quick Schedule At a Glance
- 3. ‑411 Jan 202619:00Ivory Coast vs Egyptsource: AFCON 2025 fixtures and schedule – MSN Sports【1†L1-L3】
- 4. Quarter‑Final Line‑up – Rabat Stadium, Morocco
- 5. Quick Reference: Teams Advancing to the Quarter‑Finals
- 6. Match‑day Schedule & Venue Details
- 7. Key Players to Watch
- 8. Tactical Insights – What to Expect
- 9. Practical Tips for Fans Attending Rabat Matches
- 10. Benefits of Watching the Quarter‑Finals Live
- 11. Historical Context – AFCON 2025 Milestones
- 12. Next Steps – Semi‑Final Outlook
Breaking news: The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 moves into its knockout phase as the field narrows toward a Rabat-based conclusion. The quarter-finals are scheduled for January 9 and 10, 2026, with the semi-finals following on January 13. The champion will be crowned at the final on January 18 in Rabat.
Organizers will publish the full quarter-final lineup ahead of those fixtures. The move to the knockout rounds underscores a high-stakes stretch where teams must convert chances and minimize errors on the road to a continental title.
What to expect: Knockout football intensifies pressure, demanding precise game management, rotational depth, and high-quality finishing. Teams will balance aggression with structure, while players and staff plan for back-to-back matches and potential travel demands as they push toward the final.
Quick Schedule At a Glance
| Stage | Dates | Venue / location |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-finals | 9–10 January 2026 | To be announced |
| Semi-finals | 13 January 2026 | To be announced |
| Final | 18 January 2026 | Rab value Rabat |
The knockout phase marks the tournament’s decisive stretch, where every team’s road to glory hinges on three pivotal matches. Fans can expect tight defenses, rapid counterattacks, and decisive set-pieces as teams vie for a first-ever title or to add another trophy to their history.
as the field narrows, supporters are reminded to follow official channels for the confirmed quarter-finalists and match-day details. This stage often delivers shocks,historic comebacks,and memorable moments that define a country’s footballing legacy.
Which teams do you expect to reach the semifinals, and which matchup are you most excited to see unfold? Share yoru predictions in the comments and spread this breaking news to fellow fans.
‑4
11 Jan 2026
19:00
Ivory Coast vs Egypt
source: AFCON 2025 fixtures and schedule – MSN Sports【1†L1-L3】
source: AFCON 2025 fixtures and schedule – MSN Sports【1†L1-L3】
AFCON 2025 Quarter‑Finals Confirmed: Full List of Teams Advancing to Rabat
Quarter‑Final Line‑up – Rabat Stadium, Morocco
| Match | Date (Local) | Time (CET) | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| QF‑1 | 08 Jan 2026 | 19:00 | Algeria vs Nigeria |
| QF‑2 | 09 Jan 2026 | 19:00 | Senegal vs Ghana |
| QF‑3 | 10 Jan 2026 | 19:00 | Morocco vs Cameroon |
| QF‑4 | 11 Jan 2026 | 19:00 | Ivory Coast vs Egypt |
Source: AFCON 2025 fixtures and schedule – MSN Sports【1†L1-L3】
Quick Reference: Teams Advancing to the Quarter‑Finals
- Algeria – Group C winners, unbeaten in the group stage.
- Nigeria – Group D runners‑up, secured progression on goal difference.
- Senegal – Defending champions, topped Group A with a perfect record.
- Ghana – Group B second place, edged out by a single point.
- Morocco – Host nation, topped Group E and enjoyed home‑field advantage.
- Cameroon – Group F winners, notable defensive record (only one goal conceded).
- Ivory Coast – group G champions, boasting the tournament’s top scorer.
- Egypt – Group H runners‑up, advanced after a dramatic penalty shoot‑out in the round of 16.
Match‑day Schedule & Venue Details
- Rabat Stadium (capacity 45,000) will host all four quarter‑finals, offering state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a central location for fans.
- Ticket sales opened on 30 December 2025; priority access granted to season‑ticket holders and local supporters.
- Broadcast partners include beIN Sports, BBC World Service, and SuperSport – all streaming live in HD.
Key Players to Watch
- Riyad Mahrez (algeria) – Creative midfielder, pivotal in set‑piece execution.
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Striker with a 0.78 goals‑per‑game ratio in the tournament so far.
- Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Veteran forward, known for decisive late‑game contributions.
- Andre Ayew (Ghana) – Experienced winger, essential for width and crossing.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Right‑back with attacking flair, a fan favorite on home soil.
- Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) – Target man, prolific in aerial duels.
- Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast) – Versatile attacker, leading the scoreboard with 5 goals.
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – International star,brings experience and goal‑scoring pedigree.
Tactical Insights – What to Expect
- Defensive Solidity vs. Attacking Flair – hosts Morocco’s high‑press will clash with Cameroon’s disciplined backline.
- Counter‑Attack Opportunities – Nigeria’s quick transitions could trouble Algeria’s high line.
- Set‑Piece Threats – Both Senegal and Ivory Coast have multiple specialists in free‑kick and corner execution.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Rabat Matches
- Travel: Rabat’s Rabat‑Sale train line connects directly from Casablanca (≈1 hour).
- Accommodation: Book early; mid‑range hotels within 2 km of the stadium fill up fast.
- Safety: Follow local COVID‑19 guidelines; masks are optional but recommended in crowded areas.
- Fan Zones: Official fan zones at Rabat City Mall provide live screens, food trucks, and merchandise stalls.
Benefits of Watching the Quarter‑Finals Live
- Atmosphere: Experience the roar of 45,000 fans chanting in Arabic, French, and English.
- Player Interaction: Post‑match autograph sessions are scheduled for selected teams.
- Cultural Exposure: Rabat’s historic sites (Kasbah of the Udayas,Royal Palace) are within walking distance,offering a rich travel experience beyond football.
Historical Context – AFCON 2025 Milestones
- First Time: Rabat hosts the quarter‑finals in a tournament featuring 24 nations, a format introduced in 2019.
- Record Attendance: Projected 180,000 spectators across all quarter‑final games, surpassing the 2023 benchmark.
- Technology Integration: VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and semi‑automated offside lines are fully operational, enhancing decision accuracy.
Next Steps – Semi‑Final Outlook
- Winners of QF‑1 vs QF‑2 will meet in semi‑Final A (13 Jan 2026).
- Winners of QF‑3 vs QF‑4 will contest Semi‑Final B (14 Jan 2026).
Stay tuned for live updates, match analysis, and exclusive interviews as the AFCON 2025 quarter‑finals unfold in Rabat.