RABAT: The group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations has concluded with the Round of 16 pairings now set.

Teams like Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Mozambique have joined previously qualified sides such as Nigeria and Morocco in the knockout rounds.

The tournament now moves into the high-stakes elimination phase starting in early January 2026, where the quest for continental glory intensifies.

Six teams have progressed through the group stage based on their standings (winners, runners-up, and best third-placed teams):
Group Winners: Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria, Ivory Coast
Group Runners-Up: Mali, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Tunisia
Best Third-Placed Teams: Tanzania, Benin, Sudan, Mozambique

The Round of 16 starts on 3 January, with the final knockout bracket now set. Winners of these ties will advance to the Quarter-Finals scheduled for 9–10 January 2026. The tournament culminates in the final on 18 January 2026 in Rabat.

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Round of 16 Matchups
Saturday, January 3:
Senegal v Sudan (Tangier)
Mali v Tunisia (Casablanca)
Sunday, January 4:
Morocco v Tanzania (Rabat)
South Africa v Cameroon (Rabat)
Monday, January 5:
Egypt v Benin (Agadir)
Nigeria v Mozambique (Fez)
Tuesday, January 6:
Algeria v DR Congo (Rabat)
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso (Marrakesh)

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