For years, catching the Africa Cup of Nations in the UK meant one thing: a Sky Sports subscription. That changes completely from December 2025, when Channel 4 takes over and makes every single match available free-to-air for the first time in the tournament’s UK broadcast history, giving everyone access to the drama of Morocco vs Senegal in the final.

Is AFCON on UK TV? Yes, Channel 4 Shows All Matches Free

UK broadcast rights holder: Channel 4 ·
Coverage type: all matches live and free-to-air ·
Tournament: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 ·
Final match: Morocco vs Senegal, 18 January 2026 ·
Previous UK broadcaster (2023): Sky Sports ·
Freeview channel: Channel 4 (and 4seven for select matches)

Six facts that define the 2025 broadcast: one clear pattern — Channel 4 has turned AFCON from a pay-TV event into a free-to-air national moment.

Is AFCON on UK TV?

Which channel broadcasts AFCON in the UK?

• AFCON 2025 is broadcast exclusively on Channel 4 in the UK (Channel 4 Press, official broadcaster announcement)
• Matches also appear on E4, 4seven, Channel 4 Streaming, and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel (Channel 4 Press, viewer guide)
• This marks the first time all 52 matches are available free-to-air across the entire UK

Is AFCON free to watch on UK TV?

Yes — every single match is free to watch. Channel 4 has committed to making the entire tournament available without a subscription, paywall, or sign-up fee. That includes the opening match on 21 December 2025 between Morocco and Comoros, plus all knockout rounds and the final on 18 January 2026 (Channel 4 Press).

The pattern is clear — Channel 4’s free-to-air approach ends years of pay-TV exclusivity that began with Sky Sports holding the rights in 2023.

Is Channel 4 showing all AFCON games?

How many matches will Channel 4 broadcast?

• Channel 4 will show all 52 matches of AFCON 2025 live (Channel 4 Press)
• This includes every group-stage fixture, quarter-final, semi-final, and the final
• Some matches air on E4 or 4seven instead of the main Channel 4 channel (Channel 4 Press)

Will the final be on Channel 4?

The final on 18 January 2026 will be shown on E4 and Channel 4 Streaming, with kick-off at 19:00 (Channel 4 Press). The main Channel 4 channel may also carry the final — check the schedule closer to the date.

The implication: you don’t need a sports package or a streaming subscription. If you have a TV aerial and a Freeview box, you’re set for the entire tournament.

Is AFCON showing on BBC?

Did BBC ever broadcast AFCON?

• BBC has shown AFCON matches in previous tournaments, including selected games in 2021 and 2023
• However, BBC does not hold any UK rights for AFCON 2025 (Channel 4 Press)
• Channel 4 has the exclusive free-to-air rights for this edition

Why is BBC not showing AFCON 2025?

Channel 4 secured the exclusive UK broadcast rights in a deal announced on 4 December 2025 (Channel 4 Press, official broadcaster announcement). The BBC was not involved in the rights acquisition this time. For viewers who remember watching AFCON on BBC in prior years, the shift to Channel 4 means a different channel number but the same free-to-air access.

The trade-off: BBC’s absence is a loss for some viewers familiar with its coverage, but Channel 4’s commitment to showing every match live means no game is hidden behind a paywall.

How to watch AFCON 2025 Final on Channel 4?

What time does the AFCON final kick off?

• The final is scheduled for 19:00 on 18 January 2026 (Channel 4 Press)
• Coverage typically begins 30–60 minutes before kick-off
• The match will be preceded by full build-up analysis on E4 and Channel 4 Streaming

How to stream AFCON final for free?

For UK viewers, this is the simplest route: open Channel 4’s app or website, find AFCON 2025, and press play. No credit card, no trial period, no hidden fees.

1. Open the Channel 4 website (channel4.com) or the Channel 4 app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
2. Navigate to the AFCON 2025 live stream. Coverage typically begins 30–60 minutes before kick-off.
3. Press play. No subscription or login is required.

The Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel will also carry the final.

The outcome: UK viewers no longer need a pay-TV subscription for a tournament final; a TV aerial or smartphone app is all it takes to watch Morocco vs Senegal.

What channel is AFCON on in Ireland?

Is AFCON available on Irish TV?

• No Irish broadcaster has been confirmed for AFCON 2025 as of early 2026
• Channel 4’s UK broadcast is available in Northern Ireland via Freeview and aerial reception
• Viewers in the Republic of Ireland may be able to access Channel 4’s streams online or via satellite

Can I watch AFCON in Ireland for free?

There is no confirmed free-to-air broadcaster in the Republic of Ireland for AFCON 2025. Some viewers in Ireland access Channel 4 via satellite (Sky or Freesat) or through the Channel 4 website and app. However, geo-restrictions may apply to streaming — a UK-based VPN may be required for full access. Check local listings or contact your TV provider for the latest information.

The catch: Irish viewers are in a grey zone. Unlike UK residents who have guaranteed free access via Channel 4, viewers in Ireland should verify their options before match day.

Frequently asked questions

For UK viewers, the choice is straightforward: Channel 4 has made AFCON 2025 free for everyone. No paywall, no subscription, no fuss. For Irish viewers, the situation remains unresolved — check your local listings or make plans to access Channel 4’s stream.