If you want to watch the AFCON 2025 (2026), Channel 4 offers detailed coverage of the tournament for free. However, here is a detailed guide for you ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
The AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in world football. Some of the best Premier League stars will be in action for their respective countries.
3 Ways to Watch AFCON 2025 (2026) live Channel 4 in the UK
1. TV
UK football fans can watch the AFCON tournament on Freeview, Freesat, Sky, and Virgin Media. However, the channel numbers would vary by platform. Interestingly, fans can enjoy live games without needing a subscription but just by having a TV license.
2. Online Live Streaming
Football fans can watch Channel 4 online via live streaming by visiting Channel 4’s official site or by downloading the "All 4 App" (Channel 4 App) (iOS, Android, Smart TVs, gaming consoles).
The platform offers live TV streaming and on-demand shows. You need an account to enjoy the action and you can easily sign up for a free account.
3. Channel 4+
Channel 4 also offers a premium subscription platform/service which is a paid version that comes with ad-free viewing experience.
List of English Premier League players to watch at the tournament
1. Mohamed Salah – Egypt
2. Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon
3. Dango Ouattara – Burkina Faso
4. Carlos Baleba – Cameroon
5. Nicolas Jackson – Senegal
6. Edouard Mendy – Senegal
7. Pape Sarr – Senegal
8. Idrissa Gueye – Senegal
9. Cheick Doucouré – Mali
10. Yves Bissouma – Mali
11. Mohammed Kudus – Ghana
12. Thomas Partey – Ghana
13. Wilfried Zaha – Ivory Coast
14. Sébastien Haller – Ivory Coast
15. Simon Adingra – Ivory Coast
16. Ibrahim Sangaré – Ivory Coast
17. Alex Iwobi – Nigeria
18. Calvin Bassey – Nigeria
19. Frank Onyeka – Nigeria
20. Taiwo Awoniyi – Nigeria
21. Yoane Wissa – DR Congo
22. Aaron Wan-Bissaka – DR Congo
23. Elia Meschack – DR Congo
24. Joris Kayembe – DR Congo
25. Nayef Aguerd – Morocco
26. Sofyan Amrabat – Morocco
27. Hakim Ziyech – Morocco
28. Rayan Aït-Nouri – Algeria
29. Saïd Benrahma – Algeria
30. Issa Diop – Senegal
31. Moussa Djenepo – Mali
32. Abdoulaye Doucouré – Mali
List of countries that will participate in the tournament
Morocco (Host nation)
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Ghana
Senegal
Egypt
Cameroon
Algeria
Tunisia
South Africa
Mali
Burkina Faso
DR Congo
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Zambia
Angola
Cape Verde
Comoros
Mauritania
Tanzania
Equatorial Guinea
Mozambique
Namibia
What are the groups and teams?
Group A
Morocco (hosts)
Comoros
Zambia
Tanzania
Group B
Ivory Coast
South Africa
Guinea-Bissau
Mauritania
Group C
Nigeria
Ghana
Angola
Mozambique
Group D
Senegal
Algeria
Namibia
Equatorial Guinea
Group E
Egypt
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Burkina Faso
Group F
Mali
DR Congo
Guinea
Tunisia
When does AFCON 2025 (2026) start?
The African Cup of Nations 2025/26 in Morocco will be held between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026. The opening match of the tournament is between Morocco and Comoros which will take place on 21 December 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
Teams to watch
This year's tournament promises to be one of the best in recent years even as host nation Morocco eyes a major milestone at the big stage.
1. Morocco (Hosts)
Morocco is currently a football powerhouse not just on at the African continent, but at the world stage. The team finished in the semi-finalis at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Key players like Achraf Hakimi is expected to lead the team.
2. Ivory Coast (Defending Champions)
Ivory coast is a football powerhouse on the African continent. They are also the defending champions following their triumph at the finals in 2023. Key players to watch include Sébastien Haller, Wilfried Zaha, and Simon Adingra.
3. Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria remains a powerhouse having won the tournament up to four times. Key players to watch include Victor Osimhen.
4. Senegal
Senegal won the tournament in 2021 and is still a top team in the tournament. Key players to watch include Sadio Mané, Edouard Mendy, and Nicolas Jackson.
5. Egypt
Egypt is a record winner of the tournament with seven titles.
Top players to watch
1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Forward)
Mohamed Salah sits at the top of the power rankings when it comes to the best players to watch at the tournament. He is often regarded as Africa’s biggest star, known for his goals and leadership.
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Right-back)
Achraf Hakimi heads into this tournament as a big name. He is arguably Morocco's best player known for his defensive solidity with attacking flair.
3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Striker)
The Nigerian star is known for his explosive pace, aerial dominance, and finishing. He has played a key role in the team since his first appearance.
4. Sadio Mané (Senegal, Forward)
Sadio Mané is a big name who brings experience and creativity having played a key role in Senegal's successful outing in 2021.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon, Striker)
The next name is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who plays as a forward and known for his dangerous speed and finishing.