AFCON 2025: Full List Of Qualified Teams, Favourites, And Challengers As Morocco Gears Up To Host

AFCON 2025: Full List Of Qualified Teams, Favourites, And Challengers As Morocco Gears Up To Host

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) will light up Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, promising to deliver one of the most competitive and entertaining tournaments in African football history.

AFCON 2025 Qualified Teams

Here are the 24 nations that have booked their place in Morocco:

Algeria
Angola
Benin Republic
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Comoros
Côte d’Ivoire
DR Congo
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
Mali
Morocco (Hosts)
Nigeria
Senegal
South Africa
Sudan
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe

AFCON 2025 Favourites

Morocco – As hosts, the Atlas Lions have the home advantage and the confidence from their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run. Ranked as Africa’s top side, they are the clear favourites.

Senegal – The 2021 champions are loaded with world-class talent led by Sadio Mané and have the experience to go deep once again.

Egypt – With Mohamed Salah leading the charge, the record seven-time champions remain a constant threat thanks to their defensive structure and tournament experience.

Nigeria – The Super Eagles, powered by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, boast one of the deadliest attacks in Africa and are desperate to lift their first AFCON title since 2013.

AFCON 2025 Challengers

Côte d’Ivoire – The reigning champions enter as a dangerous side capable of going back-to-back despite mixed qualifying results.

Cameroon – The five-time champions bring power, passion, and big-game mentality. Their knockout experience makes them a threat to anyone.

Mali – A team flying under the radar, known for technical precision and consistency. Many believe this could be their breakout year.

Algeria – The 2019 winners are hungry for redemption and armed with a blend of youth, flair, and experience.

South Africa – Organized and tactically solid, Bafana Bafana can frustrate even the strongest teams.

DR Congo – A physical, relentless team with a history of upsetting giants. Expect fireworks when they play.

Tunisia – The Eagles of Carthage are tournament veterans who always find a way to go far, thanks to their tactical discipline.

Zambia – The 2012 champions are back after a long absence. Young and energetic, they’re capable of springing surprises.

The Rest Of The Qualified Teams

The remaining teams will be battling hard for crucial third-place spots to advance to the knockout stages:

Angola, Benin Republic, Botswana, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Among them, Botswana returns after a 12-year absence, while Comoros continues to impress as one of Africa’s fastest-rising football nations.

The Stage Is Set

Fans are already buzzing with anticipation as the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat prepares to host the opening match between Morocco and Comoros on December 21, 2025.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has already declared that Nigeria is going to Morocco “to win it all” — a statement that echoes the Super Eagles’ hunger and ambition.

With star players, electric fans, and the continent’s best on display, AFCON 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African football.

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