AFCON 2026 Live Standings

Welcome to your comprehensive source for Africa Cup of Nations standings. Track live AFCON group tables, tournament rankings, and team positions as 24 nations compete for continental glory. Our real-time standings update instantly with every goal, ensuring you stay current with the latest AFCON table positions.

How AFCON Standings Work

AFCON group standings determine which teams advance to the knockout stages. Each team plays three group matches. Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top two teams from each group (12 total) plus the four best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 16.

Tiebreakers include head-to-head record, goal difference, goals scored, fair play points, and drawing of lots if necessary. Our AFCON standings page shows all these metrics, helping you understand each team's position and qualification chances.

Group Stage Standings

The AFCON group stage features six groups of four teams (A through F). Each team plays three matches - one against each group opponent. Below are the live standings for all AFCON 2026 groups, updated in real-time as matches are played. Points, goal difference, and goals scored determine each team's position in the AFCON table.

Group A

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P=Played W=Win D=Draw L=Loss GD=Goal Diff PTS=Points

Group B

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Group C

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Group D

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Group E

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Group F

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Third-Place Standings

Four of the six third-placed teams will advance to the AFCON knockout stages. The rankings below show how all third-placed teams compare across groups. The top four by points, then goal difference, then goals scored will progress to the Round of 16.

Best Third-Placed Teams Rankings

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Knockout Stage Bracket

Once the AFCON group stage concludes, 16 teams advance to the knockout bracket. The Round of 16 pairings are determined based on group standings, with group winners facing third-placed teams and runners-up playing other group runners-up. The AFCON knockout bracket then progresses through quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

Knockout Stage Progression

Round of 16

  • • Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B/C
  • • Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A/C
  • • Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group A/B
  • • Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group E/F
  • • Winner Group E vs Runner-up Group D/F
  • • Winner Group F vs Runner-up Group D/E
  • • Best 3rd vs Runner-up Group A/B/C
  • • 2nd Best 3rd vs Runner-up Group D/E/F

Path to the Final

  • • 8 Round of 16 winners advance
  • • 4 Quarter-final winners advance
  • • 2 Semi-final winners contest final
  • • Semi-final losers play 3rd place
  • • All knockout matches are single elimination
  • • Extra time and penalties if drawn
  • • Final determines AFCON champion

AFCON Qualification Scenarios

Understanding AFCON qualification scenarios helps fans track their team's chances of advancing. With each match, the mathematical possibilities change. Our standings page includes qualification indicators showing which teams have clinched knockout spots, which are eliminated, and what results are needed for teams still in contention.

Qualified

Teams that have secured knockout stage qualification:

  • • Group winners (top 2 teams)
  • • Best third-placed teams
  • • Cannot drop out of qualification zone

In Contention

Teams still fighting for qualification:

  • • Can qualify with win/draw
  • • Need specific results
  • • May need goal difference help

Eliminated

Teams that cannot qualify:

  • • Cannot reach qualification positions
  • • Mathematical elimination
  • • Tournament run completed

Historical AFCON Standings

The Africa Cup of Nations has a rich history of dramatic group stages and memorable standings battles. From unlikely qualification heroics to shocking eliminations, AFCON group standings have produced countless memorable moments. Here we look at some historical context for AFCON tournament performance.

Most Successful AFCON Nations (All-Time)

TeamTitlesFinalsTop 3Appearances
Egypt7101126
Cameroon581020
Ghana4101223
Nigeria381020
Algeria23620
Côte d'Ivoire24725
Senegal13517
Tunisia13621

Our Take on AFCON Standings

Following AFCON standings is essential for understanding tournament dynamics. The Africa Cup of Nations group stage often produces dramatic finales, with teams' qualification hopes hanging in the balance until the final whistle. Our real-time standings capture every twist and turn, from shock group winners to unexpected eliminations.

The expanded 24-team format has added complexity to AFCON standings, with third-placed teams having genuine qualification chances. This format rewards consistency while providing opportunities for dramatic comebacks. The four best third-placed teams often include some of AFCON's most memorable stories, making the standings page crucial for tracking all qualification scenarios.

As AFCON 2026 unfolds, keep this page bookmarked for the most current standings. Whether you're calculating your team's qualification chances or analyzing potential knockout matchups, our comprehensive AFCON standings provide all the data you need to follow the tournament from group stage to final.