While most European and South American leagues take a break for the end-of-year festivities, the global football calendar doesn't completely stop.In 2025, the highlight on Christmas Eve is the African...
While most European and South American leagues take a break for the end-of-year festivities, the global football calendar doesn't completely stop.
In 2025, the highlight on Christmas Eve is the African Cup of Nations, while the 25th will see the return of the Saudi Championship.
The continuation of these matches occurs because Christmas is not a central festive or religious date in many countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, allowing the sports calendar to proceed as usual.
Check out the games happening during Christmas below!
Click this link to find out all the broadcasts for this Wednesday.
🗓️ Christmas Eve (24/12)
Christmas Eve Wednesday will be busy with Africa's main national team tournament and Asian continental competitions.
- African Cup of Nations: The tournament is in full swing with four matches, including Cameroon facing Gabon at 5 PM.
- Asia Champions 2: Al-Nassr, managed by Jorge Jesus, takes the field against Al-Zawraa at 1 PM. It's worth noting that Cristiano Ronaldo has been rested in this competition, considered secondary.
- Other leagues: Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Thailand also keep active rounds during the day.
🗓️ Christmas Day (25/12) with the Saudi League
On Thursday, the African Cup takes a break, but football in the Middle East gains strength after a month-long interruption.
- Saudi Championship: The highlight is Al-Ettifaq facing Al-Riyadh at 2:30 PM.
- Egypt: A full round livens up the day, with highlights including giants like Zamalek and Pyramids.
🏴 The Boxing Day Tradition (26/12)
Although there are no games in England on the 25th, the famous Boxing Day follows shortly after.
For 2025, however, the Premier League opted for a reduced round on Friday (26) due to television considerations.
- Manchester United vs. Newcastle will be the only elite match on the 26th.
- Rest of the round: most of the 18th round games have been moved to Saturday (27/12).
📺 Where to Watch Today (Wednesday, 24/12)
African Cup of Nations – Cameroon vs. Gabon, 5 PM
The main broadcast in Brazil for this tournament is usually on BandSports (pay TV) and the Esporte na Band channel on YouTube.
Asia Champions League 2 – Al-Nassr vs. Al-Zawraa, 1 PM
The rights to the Asian Champions League in Brazil belong to the Disney group. You can find this game on Disney+ (streaming) or occasionally on ESPN channels.
Turkish Championship – Samsunspor vs. Eyupspor, 2:30 PM
Usually broadcast on Disney+
📺 Where to Watch Tomorrow (Thursday, 25/12 - Christmas)
Saudi Championship – Al-Riyadh vs. Al-Ettifaq, 2:30 PM
The Saudi League is broadcast in Brazil by the GOAT Channel (YouTube - free) and BandSports.
Egyptian Championship – Zamalek vs. Smouha, 3 PM
Official league channels on YouTube, often with Arabic commentary, can be an option.
💡 Boxing Day (Friday, 26/12)
Premier League – Manchester United vs. Newcastle, 5 PM
Complete broadcast by ESPN and Disney+.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
📸 Dan Istitene - 2025 Getty Images
Category: General Sports
