AFCON 2025
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is the continent's most prestigious international football tournament, bringing together 24 national teams to compete for the title of African champions. AFCON 2025 is hosted in Morocco — a country with world-class stadiums and a footballing culture that ignited when they became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022. The tournament showcases Africa's best players, many of whom star for Europe's top clubs.
Group Stage Format & Nations to Watch
AFCON 2025 features 24 teams divided into six groups of four. The top two from each group progress automatically to the Round of 16, joined by the four best third-placed teams — creating a 16-team knockout bracket that runs from the last 16 through to the final. The expanded format gives more nations the chance to showcase their talent while maintaining the competitive urgency of knockout football.
Morocco enter as one of the pre-tournament favourites on home soil. Their squad features players from Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG — testament to the country's rapid rise in world football since Qatar 2022. Egypt, the record seven-time champions, will look to Mohamed Salah in what could be his final AFCON appearance. Nigeria bring the talent of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, while Ivory Coast arrive as defending champions after their dramatic 2023 triumph on home soil.
Hakimi, Ziyech, En-Nesyri headline one of the most technically accomplished African squads. Playing at home with packed, passionate crowds, Morocco's high press and quick transitions make them a nightmare for any opponent.
At 33, Mohamed Salah enters AFCON 2025 with one eye on legacy. Egypt's record seven titles give them pedigree, but their squad beyond Salah lacks the depth of the continental frontrunners.
The Elephants won the 2023 edition in dramatic fashion. Franck Kessié and Sébastien Haller lead an experienced squad with something to prove on the continental stage.
Victor Osimhen, when fit and firing, is one of the most feared strikers in the world. Nigeria have the individual quality to upset anyone — and their AFCON ambition is never in doubt.
Players to Watch at AFCON 2025
AFCON has a tradition of producing tournament stars who go on to greater European recognition. The 2025 edition features an exceptional generation of African players plying their trade at the highest level. Many of the players expected to shine at AFCON will also be targeting World Cup 2026 selection for their nations — making these performances high-stakes on multiple levels.
One of the best right-backs in the world. Hakimi's overlap runs and delivery from deep are a constant attacking threat. On home soil, expect him to be among the most dangerous players in the tournament.
Egypt's all-time top scorer and the man who carries the nation's hopes. Salah's AFCON record is mixed — the tournament has often proved frustrating — but he remains world-class and capable of match-winning moments.
When healthy, Osimhen's pace, strength, and finishing make him one of the most feared strikers in the world. Nigeria's AFCON progress depends heavily on his form and fitness across the tournament weeks.
The 2022 AFCON champion and Africa's most decorated player of his generation. Despite his Saudi move, Mané consistently performs at a higher gear for Senegal — a natural-born tournament player.
AFCON 2025 and the World Cup 2026 Road
Africa has nine spots at the 2026 World Cup — an increase from five at previous editions, reflecting the expanded 48-team format. For African nations, AFCON 2025 serves as both an end goal and a proving ground for World Cup squads. Coaches use the tournament to experiment with formations and squad depth, and standout performers here earn their place in their nation's WC2026 plans.
Morocco, as co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, are building a footballing infrastructure designed for sustained international success. Their AFCON 2025 run gives a strong signal of how ready they are to compete with Europe's elite on the global stage — and of whether their remarkable Qatar 2022 run was a ceiling or a launchpad.
Latest AFCON 2025 News
‘So much disrespect’: outrage grows over postponement of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
None · The Guardian
Senegal stripped of Africa Cup of Nations title over walkout protest in final
None · The Guardian
Senegal REFUSE to hand back Africa Cup of Nations trophy and call decision to strip them of their title and give it to Morocco 58 days later 'corrupt' - after they walked off the pitch before winning
None · Daily Mail
‘We will not back down’: Senegal vow to appeal after Africa Cup of Nations title stripped
None · The Guardian
'The longest VAR check in history' - now African football needs to move on
None · BBC
‘So much disrespect’: outrage grows over postponement of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
None · The Guardian
Senegal REFUSE to hand back Africa Cup of Nations trophy and call decision to strip them of their title and give it to Morocco 58 days later 'corrupt' - after they walked off the pitch before winning
None · Daily Mail
What's the next move for Senegal after the Lions of Teranga were stripped of AFCON 2025 title?
None · FourFourTwo
What's the next move for Senegal after the Lions of Teranga were stripped of AFCON 2025 title?
None · FourFourTwo
Senegal officially launch appeal against Africa Cup of Nations title stripping as CAS promise 'swift decision' after Morocco were declared champions 58 DAYS after losing controversial final
None · Daily Mail
AFCON 2025 Analysis
Which African teams can actually make a deep run this summer?
1 month, 3 weeks ago
Eritrea is back and the Afcon qualification path just got wild
1 month, 4 weeks ago
Caf is completely broken and African football fans know it
2 months ago
Senegal’s AFCON walk-off is about to become a CAS legal nightmare
2 months ago