If you’ve been following the tournament in Morocco, you know things have been intense. But honestly, today—Wednesday, January 14, 2026—is the absolute peak. We aren't just talking about regular football matches; we are looking at two semi-final clashes that feel more like heavyweight title fights. The Africa Cup of Nations games today feature the four biggest titans left standing: Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and the hosts, Morocco.
Two spots in the final are up for grabs. That’s it.
The air in Rabat and Tangier is thick. You can feel it through the screen. If you’re looking for where to watch or what to expect, buckle up. These aren't just games; they're the culmination of weeks of upsets, last-minute goals, and the kind of drama only AFCON can deliver.
Senegal vs. Egypt: The Grudge Match Returns
First up, we have Senegal taking on Egypt. This one kicks off at 18:00 local time at the Tangier Grand Stadium. It’s a repeat of the 2021 final, and if you think Egypt has forgotten about that penalty shootout heartbreak, you’re kidding yourself.
Senegal has looked like a machine. They cruised past Sudan 3-1 in the Round of 16 and then ground out a tough 1-0 win against Mali in the quarters. Sadio Mané is still the heartbeat, but keep an eye on Nicolas Jackson and Pape Gueye. They’ve been clinical.
Egypt, on the other hand, is the ultimate "survive and advance" team. They barely escaped the quarters with a 3-2 win over Ivory Coast. Mohamed Salah is playing like a man possessed, scoring a crucial goal in that match to keep the Pharaohs' dream of an eighth title alive. They don’t play the prettiest football sometimes, but they are incredibly hard to kill.
Basically, it's the immovable object meeting the irresistible force. Tangier is going to be rocking.
Nigeria vs. Morocco: The Host Nation's Toughest Test
Then, at 21:00, the focus shifts to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This is the big one. Nigeria vs. Morocco.
Nigeria is comfortably the highest-scoring team in the tournament. They’ve bagged 14 goals so far, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman accounting for most of that damage. They’ve won five straight games. That is a terrifying stat for any opponent. However, they’ll be without their captain, Wilfred Ndidi, which is a massive blow to their midfield stability.
But Morocco? They have the "12th man."
Nearly 70,000 fans will be screaming for the Atlas Lions. Morocco hasn't won this trophy since 1976. For a team that reached the World Cup semi-finals just a few years ago, that’s a stat that stings. Brahim Díaz has been their spark plug, and after their 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarters, the belief in the streets of Rabat is sky-high.
Morocco’s defense is stingy. Nigeria’s attack is relentless. Something has to give.
Why the Africa Cup of Nations Games Today Matter So Much
Look, we’ve seen some crazy things this tournament. We saw the defending champions Ivory Coast exit in a thriller. We saw South Africa fight valiantly before falling to Cameroon. But today feels different because of the historical weight.
- Nigeria is hunting for their fourth star.
- Senegal wants to prove they are the new dominant dynasty of the continent.
- Egypt wants to extend their record and reclaim the throne.
- Morocco wants to finally win on home soil and end a 50-year drought.
The scheduling has been a bit different this year because of the FIFA Club World Cup, pushing this tournament into the December-January slot. It’s created a unique atmosphere—cooler weather but much hotter competition.
How to Follow the Action
If you aren't lucky enough to be sitting in a cafe in Casablanca right now, you’ve still got options.
- TV Broadcasts: Most regions are carrying the games through beIN Sports or Canal+.
- Streaming: In North America, Fubo has been the go-to for live coverage.
- Local Time: Remember, Morocco is on Central European Time (UTC+1). If you’re in New York, that 21:00 kickoff is 3:00 PM for you.
Actionable Insights for the Semi-Finals
For those looking to really understand the tactical side of the Africa Cup of Nations games today, keep these three things in mind:
- The Midfield Battle in Rabat: Without Ndidi, Nigeria might struggle to keep possession against a Morocco team that loves to control the tempo. Watch how Alex Iwobi steps up to fill that void.
- The "Salah Factor": In big games, Egypt funnels everything through Salah. Senegal’s left-back, likely Ismail Jakobs, has the hardest job in world football today.
- Fatigue: Egypt played 120 minutes recently. Senegal has had a slightly smoother path. In the final 20 minutes of the first semi-final, watch for tired legs in the Egyptian defense.
Make sure your schedule is clear for the evening. We are about to find out who plays for the trophy on Sunday.