Alright, so the next big thing in African football is coming up – the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026. It’s always a wild ride, with teams battling it out for continental bragging rights. We’ve got all the details you’ll need to follow along, from when the games are happening to who’s playing who and where. Get ready for some serious action!
Key Takeaways
- The Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 tournament is set to be a major event for African football.
- Information on fixtures, group standings, and team details will be covered.
- The tournament will feature matches across several host cities and stadiums.
- Updates on match officials and any breaking news will be provided.
- Fans can expect a comprehensive look at the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 journey.
Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 Tournament Overview
Tournament History and Editions
The Calcio Coppa Africa, or Africa Cup of Nations as it’s more commonly known, has a rich history dating back to 1957. This will be the 35th edition of the tournament, a quadrennial celebration of African football that showcases the continent’s best talent. Morocco is stepping in to host this year’s event, marking their second time as hosts after previously holding the tournament in 1988. It’s quite a journey for Morocco, who were initially slated to host the 2015 edition but had to withdraw due to concerns over the Ebola virus outbreak.
Key Dates and Schedule
This year’s tournament is a bit of a schedule shake-up. Usually held in the summer months, the 2026 Calcio Coppa Africa is set to kick off on December 21, 2025, and will wrap up on January 18, 2026. This means matches will be played right through the Christmas and New Year holiday period. This change was made to accommodate FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, which is taking place in June and July of 2025. It’s the first time the tournament will span the festive season, and it also means some games might overlap with the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League season.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Morocco is pulling out all the stops, with matches scheduled to take place across six different cities. A total of nine stadiums will be used for the 36 games planned. The cities hosting are Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Tangier, and Rabat. Each venue has been selected to handle the influx of teams and fans, promising a vibrant atmosphere throughout the competition. The official match ball for this year is named "Itri," a nod to the Amazigh word for ‘star,’ featuring intricate zellij art inspired by Moroccan mosaics. The tournament’s official song, "Africallez," is a fusion of styles from Angélique Kidjo, Lartiste, and Jaylane, aiming to be a unifying anthem for the continent.
The prize money for the winners has seen a significant boost, with the champions set to take home US$10 million, an increase from the US$7 million awarded in the previous edition. This financial incentive adds another layer of excitement to an already prestigious competition.
Here’s a quick look at the host cities and their main stadiums:
- Agadir: Adrar Stadium (Capacity: 45,000)
- Casablanca: Stade Mohammed V (Capacity: 45,000)
- Fez: Fez Stadium (Capacity: 45,000)
- Marrakesh: Stade de Marrakech (Capacity: 45,000)
- Tangier: Grand Stade de Tanger (Capacity: 45,000)
- Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Capacity: 52,000)
Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 Fixtures and Match Schedule
Round of 16 Matchups
The group stage is done and dusted, and now the real drama begins. The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, have battled their way into the knockout rounds. The Round of 16 is where things really heat up, with single-elimination matches determining who moves on and who goes home. Expect tense encounters as teams fight for every inch of the pitch. The matchups are set, and the road to the final is now a lot clearer, though still full of potential upsets.
Quarter-Finals Fixtures
As the tournament progresses, the Quarter-Finals represent a significant hurdle. Only eight teams remain, each with a legitimate claim to the title. These matches are often characterized by tactical battles and moments of individual brilliance. The pressure is immense, and a single mistake can end a nation’s dreams. We’ll see the strongest contenders face off, with the winners earning a coveted spot in the Semi-Finals.
Semi-Finals and Final Dates
The Semi-Finals are the last stop before the grand finale. These are the games that truly test a team’s mettle, pitting the best against each other. The winners advance to the Final, where the ultimate prize awaits. The Final itself is a spectacle, a culmination of weeks of competition, crowning the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 champions. Mark your calendars for these high-stakes encounters:
- Semi-Final 1: [Date and Time]
- Semi-Final 2: [Date and Time]
- Final: [Date and Time]
The schedule for the knockout stages is always eagerly anticipated. Fans will be glued to their screens, hoping their team can navigate the pressure cooker of these final matches and lift the trophy.
Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 Standings and Group Analysis
Group Stage Standings
The group stage of the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 has wrapped up, and it’s been quite the ride! We saw some expected powerhouses cruise through, while a few others really had to fight for every point. It’s always fascinating to see how the different groups shake out, with teams battling for those coveted top two spots, plus the best third-place teams that sneak into the knockout rounds.
Here’s a look at how the groups finished:
Group A
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco (H) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 7 | Advance to knockout |
| 2 | Mali | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
| 3 | Comoros | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 2 | |
| 4 | Zambia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 2 |
Group B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 7 | Advance to knockout |
| 2 | South Africa | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 6 | |
| 3 | Angola | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 2 | |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 1 |
Group C
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 9 | Advance to knockout |
| 2 | Tunisia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 4 | |
| 3 | Tanzania | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 | |
| 4 | Uganda | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 1 |
Key Group Stage Results
Some matches really stood out and had a big impact on the final standings. The game between Ivory Coast and Cameroon, for instance, ended in a 1-1 draw, which was a crucial result for both teams’ progression. Morocco also showed their strength as hosts, securing a vital 2-0 win over Comoros. In Group C, Nigeria looked dominant, finishing top with a perfect nine points after a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Tunisia.
Knockout Stage Qualification Criteria
Getting out of the group stage isn’t just about winning games. The rules are pretty standard but important to remember:
- The top two teams from each of the six groups automatically move on.
- The four best third-placed teams also get a shot at the title.
- Tiebreakers, if needed, are decided first by head-to-head results, then goal difference, then goals scored. If teams are still level, it goes to overall goal difference, then overall goals scored, and finally, a drawing of lots.
The group stage is where the real drama often unfolds. It sets the stage for the high-stakes knockout rounds, and sometimes, a single goal or a missed penalty can change the entire trajectory of a team’s tournament. It’s a test of consistency and nerve.
Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 Team Information
Qualified Teams and Their Histories
This year’s Calcio Coppa Africa features a strong lineup of 24 teams, all of whom have graced this tournament before. It’s always interesting to see which nations are making a comeback and which are maintaining their consistent presence. Morocco, as the host, automatically gets a spot, but they still played in the qualifiers, which is a bit of a twist. We’re seeing some familiar faces like Tunisia, extending their impressive streak of appearances – this is their 17th consecutive time at the finals, a record they’ve held for a while now. It’s also great to see teams like Comoros, Gabon, Sudan, and Zimbabwe back in the mix after missing the last edition. Benin and Uganda are also returning after a bit of a break, which should add some fresh energy. On the flip side, it’s a tough break for Ghana, a four-time champion, who won’t be participating for the first time since 2004. Also, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Namibia, who were all there in 2023, didn’t make the cut this time around. Botswana is making only their second appearance, their first being way back in 2012.
Here’s a quick look at some of the qualified teams:
- Morocco: Hosts, 20th appearance, best performance: Champions (1976).
- Cameroon: 22nd appearance, best performance: Champions (5 times).
- Egypt: 27th appearance, best performance: Champions (7 times).
- Senegal: 18th appearance, best performance: Champions (2021).
- Tunisia: 22nd appearance, best performance: Champions (2004).
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Every team brings something different to the table, and figuring out their strengths and weaknesses is half the fun. Some teams are known for their solid defense, making it incredibly hard for opponents to score. Others have lightning-fast attackers who can change a game in an instant. We often see teams with a strong midfield presence, controlling the tempo and dictating play. Then there are those who rely on set pieces, using powerful headers or clever free-kicks to find the back of the net.
It’s not just about the players on the field, though. Coaching plays a huge role. A good coach can set up a team to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses, whether that’s a slow defense or a shaky goalkeeper. Sometimes, a team’s biggest strength can also be a weakness if they become too predictable. For example, a team that relies heavily on one star player might struggle if that player has an off day or gets injured. We’ll have to see how the tactics unfold once the tournament gets going.
Predicting the exact strengths and weaknesses before the tournament kicks off is always a bit of a guessing game. Factors like player form leading up to the event, team chemistry, and even the luck of the draw in group stages can significantly impact how a team performs. We’ll likely see some surprises and some teams punching above their weight.
Notable Squad Selections
When the final squads are announced, it’s always a moment of excitement and sometimes, a bit of head-scratching. Coaches have the tough job of balancing experience with youthful energy, picking players who are in good club form, and ensuring they have the right mix of skills for different tactical approaches. We’ll be keeping an eye out for:
- Veteran Leaders: Experienced players who bring calm and guidance to the team, especially in high-pressure matches.
- Rising Stars: Young talents who have burst onto the scene and could be tournament revelations.
- Surprise Inclusions: Players who might not have been on everyone’s radar but have earned their spot through hard work and consistent performance.
It’s always fascinating to see which players make the final cut and how they gel together as a unit. The squad selection is often the first big strategic move a coach makes in the lead-up to a major tournament.
Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 Match Officials and Refereeing
Appointed Referees and Assistant Referees
Keeping the game fair and flowing is a big job, and CAF has picked a solid crew of officials for the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026. They announced the full list back in November 2025, and it’s a pretty extensive group. We’re talking about 73 officials in total, which breaks down into 28 referees, 31 assistant referees, and 14 VAR officials. It’s good to see that everyone selected is from the African Confederation, which makes sense for the tournament.
Some of these refs have already been assigned to key group stage matches. For instance, Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria will be in charge of the Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon game in Group F. Then there’s Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo from DR Congo, who’s got a couple of matches, including Morocco vs. Comoros and Tanzania vs. Tunisia. It’s always interesting to see who gets the big games early on.
VAR Officials and Their Roles
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is a big part of modern football, and it’s definitely being used here. The 14 VAR officials appointed will be working behind the scenes to help the on-field referees make the right calls, especially in those really tight situations. They’ll be looking at goals, penalty incidents, red cards, and mistaken identity. Their main goal is to correct clear and obvious errors, not to re-referee the entire match. It’s a tough job, balancing the speed of the game with the need for accuracy. We’ll have to see how smoothly it all runs throughout the tournament.
Refereeing Assignments by Match
While we don’t have the full list of every single referee for every single match yet, we do have some assignments from the group stage. It gives you an idea of the distribution. For example, the match between Senegal and DR Congo in Group D will be handled by Lahlou Benbraham from Algeria. And for Uganda vs. Nigeria in Group C, it’s Djindo Louis Houngnandande from Benin taking the whistle.
Here’s a look at a few of the refereeing teams and their initial assignments:
| Country | Referee | Assistant Referees | Match Assigned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Mustapha Ghorbal | Mahmoud Ahmed Abouelregal, Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos | Ivory Coast–Cameroon (Group F) |
| DR Congo | Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo | Guylain Nguila, Gradel Mbilizi Mwanya | Morocco–Comoros (Group A) |
| Benin | Djindo Louis Houngnandande | Aymar Ulrich Eric Ayimavo, Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim | Uganda–Nigeria (Group C) |
It’s a lot to keep track of, but these officials are the ones who will be making the big decisions on the pitch. Let’s hope for a tournament with fair play and minimal controversy when it comes to the officiating.
Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 Latest Updates and News
Recent Tournament Developments
The road to the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 has been anything but smooth, with a few bumps along the way. Originally, the tournament was slated for a different time of year, but scheduling conflicts with other major international events, like the expanded Club World Cup, forced a rethink. This shift meant a move to a winter slot, which is a change from some recent editions that tried to avoid the rainy seasons. It’s a constant balancing act for CAF to find the best window for this massive tournament.
Player and Team News
Keep an eye on the star players. We’ve seen some incredible performances already in the qualifying rounds, and teams are finalizing their squads. There’s always a surprise or two when the final lists are announced, with some established names missing out and exciting newcomers getting their chance. Injuries are also a big factor at this stage; teams are holding their breath hoping their key players stay fit.
Fan Reactions and Controversies
It wouldn’t be a major tournament without some chatter, right? There have been some discussions online and in fan forums about the host cities and stadium preparations. While most fans are buzzing with excitement, there have been some protests in certain regions related to infrastructure spending and other socio-economic issues. CAF has stated the tournament will proceed as planned, but these are important conversations happening in the background.
The constant adjustments to tournament dates and locations highlight the complex logistical challenges faced by continental football bodies. Balancing the needs of national teams, clubs, broadcasters, and fans requires a delicate touch, and sometimes, compromises are inevitable. The goal remains to showcase the best of African football on a global stage.
Here’s a quick look at some of the broadcast partners announced so far:
| Country | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | Exxen |
| Ukraine | Megogo |
| United Kingdom | Channel 4 |
| United States | beIN Sports, Fubo TV, Fanatiz |
| Uganda | UBC, STAR TV |
| Zambia | ZNBC |
| Zimbabwe | ZBC |
Looking Ahead
Well, that wraps up our look at the Africa Cup of Nations 2026. We’ve seen some incredible matches, surprising upsets, and the rise of new stars. The tournament has once again shown the passion and talent that African football has to offer. As the dust settles, teams will be already thinking about the next qualification rounds and how they can improve. It’s been a wild ride, and we can’t wait to see what happens next in the world of African football.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Calcio Coppa Africa 2026 happening?
The tournament is scheduled to kick off in January 2026. The exact dates for the opening match and the final will be announced closer to the event, but the games will take place throughout January.
Which cities will host the matches?
Several cities across the host nation will welcome teams and fans. Stadiums in places like Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, and Tangier are set to be used. Each city has been preparing its venues to be ready for the big games.
How many teams are competing in Calcio Coppa Africa 2026?
A total of 24 national teams from across Africa will compete. These teams have battled through qualifying rounds to earn their spot in the main tournament, representing the best of African football.
What is the format of the tournament?
The tournament starts with a group stage where teams are divided into groups. The top teams from each group, along with some of the best third-place teams, move on to the knockout rounds. This includes the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and the Grand Final.
Where can I find the latest scores and updates?
You can stay updated with all the action, including live scores, match results, and standings, right here. We’ll provide all the latest news, team information, and any important announcements as the tournament progresses.
Has the Calcio Coppa Africa been held before?
Yes, this tournament has a long history, with the first edition taking place way back in 1957. It’s held every two years, showcasing the growth and passion for football on the African continent. Many legendary teams and players have participated over the years.