Algeria and DR Congo meet this Tuesday in Rabat for one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the Round of 16.
The Desert Foxes enter the knockout phase as the tournament’s statistical juggernauts, while the Leopards of DR Congo look to prove that their tactical discipline can dismantle even the most formidable North African attack.
Algeria secured their place with a perfect group-stage record, topping Group E with three wins and asserting their status as title favorites. DR Congo, however, emerged from a grueling Group D as runners-up, having shown remarkable resilience and defensive solidity to book their spot in the final 16.
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
Match details: Time and Venue
The clash will be held at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, a venue known for its intimate and electric atmosphere, which will likely be dominated by the passionate supporters of both nations.
- Date: Tuesday, 6 January 2026
- Kick-off: 16:00 GMT (17:00 local time)
- Venue: Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
Where to watch the game globally
The business end of AFCON 2025 continues to attract record-breaking viewership. Fans can follow this heavyweight encounter through the following major providers:
- UK: Channel 4 (Free-to-air) on 4Seven and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español. Streaming via Fubo, Sling TV, and Fanatiz.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (English/Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French).
- Algeria & MENA: beIN SPORTS MENA is the primary rights holder for the region.
- DR Congo: RTNC (Radio-Télévision nationale congolaise).
- Australia & NZ: beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
الخضر يشرعون في التحضير لمواجهة الكونغو الديمقراطية في ثمن نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا
#LesVerts⭐️⭐️ | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿| #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/gRSpx3SOPI
— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) January 2, 2026
Team news
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has successfully integrated youth with experience. The Fennecs have been bolstered by the emergence of Ibrahim Maza, who was named in the Group Stage Best XI, alongside the legendary Riyad Mahrez. Algeria is expected to field a full-strength lineup, though they are keeping an eye on Ismaël Bennacer’s workload following his return to top form.
DR Congo, under Sébastien Desabre, will rely on the defensive masterclass of Axel Tuanzebe, who earned a spot in the tournament’s Best XI for his performances in the group stage. The Leopards have a potent attacking trio in Meschack Elia, Théo Bongonda, and the experienced Cédric Bakambu. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to continue his impressive tournament debut at right-back, tasked with neutralizing the Algerian wingers.
Clash of philosophies
The history between these two favors the North Africans, as Algeria remains unbeaten in their six previous competitive meetings with two wins and four draws. However, the last three encounters have ended in stalemates, suggesting that the gap between the two sides has narrowed significantly.
[⚽ 𝐒𝐄́𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐔 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑 🐆]
À J-2 de la rencontre face à l’Algérie 🇩🇿, nos Léopards poursuivent leur préparation avec sérieux et maîtrise.
Récupération, concentration et fraîcheur physique sont au cœur du travail du jour.Les batteries se rechargent, les esprits restent… pic.twitter.com/eMgOvSlwee
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) January 3, 2026
Vladimir Petković has warned his side of the Leopards’ bite:
“DR Congo is a team that plays with great maturity. They don’t need many chances to hurt you. We must be clinical and maintain our focus for 90 minutes.”
DR Congo’s assistant coach, Rafael Hamidi, set the tone for the encounter:
“Algeria has the potential to be champions, but we are a team that loves the big stage. It will be a great African football match between two teams with immense history.”
Round of 16: Tuesday Fixtures
| Match | Venue | Time (GMT) |
| Algeria vs DR Congo | Rabat (Moulay El Hassan) | 16:00 |
| Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso | Marrakesh | 19:00 |
