(Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP) (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Lineups, Preview

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 24, 2025 9:26 AM ET

One of the most anticipated national teams in the 2025 AFCON is the Ivory Coast, and their first match of the AFCON is against Mozambique. Both teams are in Group F along with Gabon and Cameroon.

Ivory Coast is among the teams that qualified for the 2026 World Cup and is among the favorites to win the 2025 AFCON. Mozambique did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but they were close to advancing to the next round.

Ivory Coast finished first in Group F of the Africa World Cup qualifiers with 26 points after 10 matches. Their record was eight wins and two draws. Mozambique finished third in Group G of the Africa World Cup qualifiers with 18 points and a record of six wins and four losses.

Ivory Coast won the previous AFCON tournament, the 2023 AFCON, and is the current holder. Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the previous final, with goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

Ivory Coast striker Max-Alain Gradel (center) is raising the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on the podium after Cote d'Ivoire won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on February 11, 2024. (Photo by APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Ahead of the 2025 AFCON, the Ivory Coast played two friendly matches. The Ivory Coast lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia and then defeated Oman 2-0 with goals from Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Jean-Philippe Krasso.

In their two friendly matches before the AFCON, Mozambique lost 1-0 to Morocco and drew 2-2 with Chad.

Where to Watch Ivory Coast vs Mozambique

Ivory Coast vs Mozambique will kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET/ 9:30 a.m. PT in the United States. The match will kick off at 6:30 p.m. local time in Marrakech, Morocco, at the Stade de Marrakech.

The match will be available to watch on multiple TV channels and streaming services in the US and in other countries.