AFCON 2025: Who Will Morocco Face in the Round of 16?

After finishing top of Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, the Lions of the Atlas now know the profile of their next opponent. Walid Regragui’s men will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 16, scheduled for Sunday in Rabat.

Morocco to face a best third-placed team

By securing first place in Group A, Morocco avoided a direct clash with another group winner but will instead meet a team ranked third in its group. According to the CAN 2025 format, the best four third-placed teams across the six groups qualify for the knockout stage.

The Lions of the Atlas will therefore take on the third-placed team from one of the following groups:

Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uganda
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea

An open race before the final group matches

Before the conclusion of the third and final matchday, the teams currently occupying third place in these groups are Tanzania (1 point), Benin (3 points) and Sudan (3 points). However, standings remain highly unpredictable, with qualification scenarios still open in all three groups.

Goal difference, head-to-head results and overall performance could play a decisive role in determining Morocco’s opponent, keeping fans and analysts on alert until the very last whistle of the group stage.

Round of 16 in Rabat

The round of 16 match involving Morocco will take place on Sunday, January 4, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Backed by home support and renewed confidence after a convincing group-stage finish, the Lions of the Atlas will aim to assert their status as tournament favorites and take a decisive step toward the CAN 2025 title.