### Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Knockout Stage Set After Thrilling Group Phase The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached a pivotal moment as the knockout stage fixtures have been confirmed following an exhilarating group stage. A total of 16 teams have qualified for the Round of 16, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent of African football. The tournament, hosted by Morocco, will see matches commence from January 3 to January 6, 2026, with high-stakes encounters lined up, including Nigeria facing Mozambique and Morocco taking on Tanzania [https://www.besoccer.com/new/africa-cup-of-nations-2025-last-16-pairings-and-knockout-bracket-confirmed-1387980][https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1690583-afcon-2025-round-16-matches-nigeria-draws-mozambique]. ### Breakdown of the Knockout Stage Structure 1. **Qualified Teams**: The 16 teams advancing to the knockout stage include notable nations such as Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and South Africa, among others [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/afcon-2025-full-list-of-africa-cup-of-nations-knockout-stage-teams]. 2. **Match Schedule**: The knockout matches will be held over four days, with two matches scheduled each day at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time [https://www.adomonline.com/2025-afcon-full-round-of-16-fixtures-confirmed]. 3. **Key Matchups**: Anticipated matches include Algeria vs. DR Congo and South Africa vs. Cameroon, which are expected to draw significant attention from fans [https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1690622-morocco-2025-afcon-matches-round-16]. 4. **Host Nation's Performance**: Morocco, as the host nation, has performed strongly, securing their place in the knockout stage with a decisive 3-0 victory over Zambia [https://www.thehitavada.com/encyc/2025/12/31/morocco-sa-join-egypt-in-knock-outs-stage-.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Match Dates**: The knockout phase will run from January 3 to January 6, 2026, with matches scheduled as follows: - January 3: Match 1 at 4 p.m., Match 2 at 7 p.m. - January 4: Match 3 at 4 p.m., Match 4 at 7 p.m. - January 5: Match 5 at 4 p.m., Match 6 at 7 p.m. - January 6: Match 7 at 4 p.m., Match 8 at 7 p.m. [https://www.africanews.com/2026/01/01/morocco-welcomes-2026-as-afcon-enters-knockout-stage-football-now]. - **Top Performers**: Key players to watch include Ayoub El Kaabi from Morocco, who has been instrumental in their success, scoring multiple goals during the group stage [https://www.thezambian.com/2025/12/30/el-kaabi-brace-helps-morocco-reach-afcon-last-16-as-group-winners]. ### Conclusion: A Thrilling Knockout Phase Awaits The 2025 AFCON knockout stage promises to deliver thrilling football as teams vie for the prestigious title. With Morocco leading the charge as hosts and several powerhouse teams in contention, fans can expect high-stakes matches filled with drama and excitement. 1. **Key Matches**: Nigeria vs. Mozambique and Morocco vs. Tanzania are among the highlights. 2. **Performance Insights**: Morocco's strong showing in the group stage positions them as favorites. 3. **Fan Engagement**: The knockout phase is set to captivate audiences across the continent and beyond. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the tournament, with the world watching as Africa's best teams compete for glory [https://softpower.ug/afcon-2025-round-of-16-set-as-morocco-and-cote-divoire-lead-knockout-charge][https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/afcon-2025-round-of-16-schedule-full-list-of-matches-dates-time-latest-updates/article70461305.ece].