AFCON 2025: Full list of all 24 qualified teams

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025, will be hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
AFCON 2025 qualified teams

Algeria
Angola
Benin Republic
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Comoros
C├┤te 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 crowd advantage and the momentum of their historic 2022 World Cup run. They are Africa's top-ranked side and primary favourites.

Senegal: The 2021 champions boast a world-class squad, led by Sadio Man├®, and possess the experience to consistently reach the final stages.

Egypt: The record seven-time champions, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, always find a way to contend. Their tactical discipline makes them perennial threats.

Nigeria: With Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles have an attack that can dominate any defense. They were runners-up in the last edition.
AFCON 2025 Challengers
C├┤te d'Ivoire: The reigning champions, despite an inconsistent qualifying campaign, have the momentum and the young, talented squad necessary to defend their title.

Cameroon: The five-time champions are Indomitable Lions for a reason. Their big-match mentality and physical presence make them a very dangerous draw in the knockout rounds.

Mali: A quietly powerful team that consistently tops qualifying groups. They are technically sound and overdue for a major tournament run

Algeria: The 2019 champions will be highly motivated to bounce back from recent disappointments. They blend elite talent with tournament-winning experience.
AFCON 2025 Dark Horses
South Africa: Bafana Bafana impressed with their organization in the last tournament and are a tactically disciplined team that can frustrate top sides.

DR Congo: A powerhouse with a history of causing upsets, the Leopards have the pedigree and fighting spirit to navigate tough draws.

Tunisia: The Eagles of Carthage are a well-drilled side known for their defensive resilience and consistency. They rarely exit a tournament easily.

Zambia: The 2012 champions are a resurgent force, making their first appearance since 2015. They can surprise the major contenders.
AFCON 2025 Rest of the Qualified Teams
This group will be fighting for the vital third-place spots to sneak into the Round of 16.

Angola, Benin Republic, Botswana, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mozambique, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. This group includes the returning Botswana (after 12 years) and the highly competitive Comoros.

AFCON 2025 promises to be a spectacle, with many even expecting this edition to surpass the 2023 AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire, which was a masterpiece.

Morocco are favourites, but Nigeria will be aiming to win their first AFCON trophy since 2013, a point goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was so eager to point out when he declared the Super Eagles are going to Morocco to win it all.

The tournament's full schedule is available, and the opener will feature hosts Morocco against Comoros on December 21 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.