Channel 4 has secured exclusive UK broadcasting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, making the tournament available on free-to-air television for the first time. The competition kicks off on Sunday, December 21, with hosts Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match at 7pm.
All 24 national teams will compete across Channel 4's network, including E4, 4Seven and the Channel 4 YouTube channel. The tournament runs through the festive period, offering football fans access to top-tier international competition when traditional Premier League coverage is reduced.
Pete Andrews, Channel 4's head of sport, described the acquisition as significant. «Bringing the excitement and drama of the African Cup of Nations exclusively to UK free-to-air television for the first time is such a compelling proposition for Channel 4,» he said.
Premier League stars depart for international duty
Numerous Premier League talents will represent their nations in Morocco. Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah features prominently in Channel 4's Boxing Day coverage. Other participating stars include Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Amad, Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Andrews highlighted the Boxing Day appeal: «So many Premier League stars will be playing in the tournament and having Liverpool legend Mo Salah on Channel 4 on Boxing Day, when traditional Premier League football coverage has been reduced elsewhere, means football fans will still be able to get their thrill of festive fixtures.»
International stars Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi will also compete in the tournament.
Group stage schedule
The group stage runs from December 21 through December 31. Key fixtures include Egypt versus Zimbabwe on Monday, December 22 at 8pm, Nigeria versus Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23 at 5:30pm, and Côte d'Ivoire versus Cameroon on Sunday, December 28 at 8pm.
Multiple matches air daily across the Channel 4 network, with most games broadcast on 4Seven and Channel 4. Select fixtures stream exclusively on the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
