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Today’s Football Updates: Boxing Day Football, AFCON Action & Christmas NFL Drama

Friday, December 26, 2025

By Maxwell Shumba 

Football fans around the world are enjoying one of the most anticipated days on the sporting calendar. Boxing Day football returns with intensity in England, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to heat up, and the aftershocks of a dramatic NFL Christmas Day are still being felt.

From Old Trafford under the lights to crucial AFCON clashes involving Zambia, Egypt, and South Africa, today delivers non-stop action across continents.

Christmas Day Recap: NFL Delivers Festive Drama


Thursday, December 25, 2025

Christmas Day belonged to the NFL, with two major games that reshaped the playoff picture.

Vikings 23 – 10 Lions

The Minnesota Vikings produced a disciplined performance to defeat the Detroit Lions, officially eliminating Detroit from playoff contention. Minnesota’s defense dominated proceedings, neutralizing Detroit’s offensive threats and sending a clear message heading into the final stretch of the season.

Broncos 20 – 13 Chiefs

In one of the biggest shocks of the day, the Denver Broncos edged the Kansas City Chiefs. This victory places Denver in a strong position to challenge for the AFC West title, while the Chiefs now face uncomfortable questions as the postseason approaches.

Saudi Pro League Results

Al Fayha 0–0 Al Hazem

Al Riyadh 0–2 Al Ettifaq

While not headline-grabbing, these results continue to shape the mid-table battles in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing league.

Today’s Fixtures: Friday, December 26, 2025

(All kick-off times in Central Africa Time – CAT)

Premier League: Boxing Day Spotlight

10:00 PM – Manchester United vs Newcastle United

The Premier League serves up its only Boxing Day fixture with a heavyweight clash at Old Trafford. Manchester United will be under pressure to assert dominance at home, while Newcastle arrive with ambitions of disrupting the traditional top order.

This match could significantly influence the race for European qualification, with both sides needing maximum points to stay competitive.

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Continental Pride at Stake

AFCON continues to showcase African football’s depth, passion, and intensity.

6:30 AM – Angola vs Zimbabwe

9:00 AM – Egypt vs South Africa

11:30 AM – Zambia vs Comoros

2:00 PM – Morocco vs Mali

Key Matches to Watch

Zambia vs Comoros will attract massive interest from Southern Africa as Zambia look to assert themselves against an emerging Comoros side known for discipline and resilience.

Egypt vs South Africa is a heavyweight encounter, pitting Egypt’s experience and tactical discipline against South Africa’s youthful energy and pace.

Morocco vs Mali promises physicality, tactical intelligence, and tournament-defining implications.

English Football League: Boxing Day Tradition Lives On

England’s lower leagues come alive on Boxing Day, delivering packed stadiums and fierce rivalries.

Selected Championship Fixtures

6:30 AM – Birmingham vs Derby

9:00 AM – Leicester vs Watford

9:00 AM – Oxford vs Southampton

11:30 AM – Wrexham vs Sheffield United

These matches could prove decisive in promotion races and relegation battles, with Boxing Day results often setting the tone for the second half of the season.

Why Today Matters

Boxing Day football is more than tradition — it’s a pressure point in multiple competitions:

Premier League momentum shifts

AFCON group standings tighten

Championship promotion hopes rise or fall

NFL playoff dreams are confirmed or crushed 

Fans are treated to football from morning until late night, spanning continents and cultures.

Final Thoughts

December 26, 2025, stands as a reminder of why football remains the world’s most loved sport. From African pride at AFCON to English grit on Boxing Day and American intensity in the NFL, today offers pure sporting drama.

The only question left is: who delivers and who disappoints?

Join the Conversation

Which matches are you watching today?

What are your score predictions for Man United vs Newcastle or Zambia vs Comoros?

👉 Follow BalanceHub for daily football updates, analysis, and breaking sports news:

Facebook: BalanceHub

Instagram: @balancehub5

WhatsApp Channel: BalanceHub

Blog: BalanceHub4

Stay informed. Stay passionate. ⚽🏈

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