Which teams are in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals, and what’s the schedule?

EXPLAINER

As Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 draws to a close, defending champions Ivory Coast became the last of the eight continental giants to establish a mouthwatering quarterfinal tie.

The round of 16 action featured a lot of it, from last-gasp winners to penalty shootouts and one-sided goal fests, but the teams will now be more closely matched as the best of African football ascends to the top.

Which teams are eligible to advance to the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals?

Eight of the top ten African nations have passed:

Senegal
Mali
Morocco
Cameroon
Egypt
Nigeria
Algeria
Ivory Coast

Morocco's supporters cheer before the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Morocco and Tanzania at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat on January 4, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) — Morocco, the host country, is one of the favorites to win the title at AFCON 2025. [Sebastien Bozon/AFP]

What time will the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals take place?

On Friday and Saturday, each team will play two games:

9-January

Mali vs Senegal at 5pm (16:00 GMT) – Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier

Cameroon vs Morocco at 8pm (19:00 GMT) – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

10 January

Algeria vs Nigeria at 5pm (16:00 GMT) – Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh

Egypt vs Ivory Coast at 8pm (19:00 GMT) – Adrar Stadium, Agadir

Which teams will win the AFCON 2025 as favorites?

While Morocco, the tournament’s first-place finisher, and Ivory Coast, the country’s title rival, have come out on top with nearly faultless performances in all of their matches so far.

Algeria impressed because they are the only team with victories in all of their matches, and Mohamed Salah-led Egypt, a top-four African side, have also lived up to their reputation.

Egypt's forward #10 Mohamed Salah controls the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Egypt and Benin at the Grand Stadium in Agadir on January 5, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) — Egypt’s leader at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is Mohamed Salah. [Franck Fife/AFP]

Who were the top AFCON 2025 scorers?

Brahim Diaz from Morocco has four goals in as many games, while five other players have three each, according to the round 16 standings.

Brahim Diaz (Morocco): 4
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), 3
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali): 3
Moroccan Ayoub El Kaabi: 3
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): 3
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): 3
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): 3