CAN 2025: the complete table of the round of 16

The group stage rendered its judgment without appeal. All the big names have responded, and the 2025 African Cup of Nations is now entering its most anticipated sequence. From Saturday January 3, the competition switches to a direct elimination phase which will no longer tolerate mistakes. The final table is now known, and it offers a generally balanced distribution of forces, heralding an intense fortnight.

A surprisingly well distributed table

The overall reading reveals an almost perfect balance between the two halves of the painting. In the first part there are notably the
Senegalthere

Ivory Coast and theEgyptthe most successful nation in the history of the CAN. In the other half, the
MoroccoTHE

CameroonTHE

Nigeria and theAlgeria

form an equally impressive block. No glaring imbalance, and above all, no absent favorite.

The program will open on Saturday with Senegal–Sudan and Mali–Tunisia, before a busy Sunday marked by Morocco–Tanzania and South Africa–Cameroon. On Monday, Egypt will face Benin, while Nigeria will meet Mozambique. Finally, on Tuesday, Algeria will challenge DR Congo, before Ivory Coast–Burkina Faso to close the eighth.

Shocks already eagerly awaited

If there is no confrontation between direct favorites at this stage, some posters are already worth the detour. A
Algeria–DR Congo promises to be one of the most indecisive matches of this round of 16, while Mali–Tunisia promises an intense tactical and physical duel. These meetings could redistribute the cards much sooner than expected.

All the favorites here

The observation is clear: this CAN 2025 kept its promises during the group phase. The great nations provided the essentials, and the outsiders earned the right to challenge the established order. This configuration fuels the hope of an open tournament, where every detail will count from now on.

The direct elimination phase thus promises to be a gradual rise in power, with shocks expected to multiply throughout the rounds. If the eighth place lays the foundations, the last fortnight of the competition promises an emotional and sporting crescendo that meets expectations.