The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21 and runs through January 18, 2026, offering African nations more than just continental bragging rights. This edition of AFCON doubles as a proving ground ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a chance for teams, players, and supporters to measure themselves on a global trajectory.
AFCON has always thrived on drama and unpredictability, but this year’s tournament feels especially loaded: established powers face growing challengers, hosts carry expectation, and several nations see this as the bridge between promise and legacy. Here’s how the group stage could unfold.
Hosts Morocco Expected To Win Their Group
Morocco enter AFCON 2025 with a legitimate claim as CAF’s strongest side. World Cup semifinalists in 2022, the Atlas Lions are enjoying a moment of institutional strength from top to bottom. Even Morocco’s depth has impressed — a “B team” recently won the 2025 Arab Cup in dramatic fashion, while youth teams and domestic clubs continue to compete deep into international tournaments.
This senior side cruised through World Cup qualifying with an 8-0-0 record and a +20 goal difference, reinforcing expectations that Morocco will again be a factor in 2026. Drawn into a World Cup group with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, Morocco expects to advance — but first, there is unfinished business at home.
Hosting AFCON for the first time since 1988, Morocco are chasing a second continental title, their only triumph coming in 1976. Their group includes Mali, Zambia, and Comoros — none of whom qualified for the World Cup.
Mali are favored to finish second and boast a well-balanced squad featuring Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma, RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, Fenerbahce’s Dorgeles Nene, and Brest’s emerging striker Kamory Doumbia.
Comoros, ranked outside FIFA’s top 100, rely heavily on France-based players. Standard Liège (Belgium) striker Rafiki Said has been productive internationally, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances.
Zambia enter as underdogs, but Leicester City forward Patson Daka remains a constant threat, even within a squad largely built from domestic league talent.
Morocco’s only lingering concern is the fitness of Achraf Hakimi. The PSG star and team captain may not be fully fit at kickoff, though his potential return later in the tournament would be significant. Even without him, the squad remains deep, featuring Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi and Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz.
Group A Projection: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Salah’s Egypt Clash With South Africa
Group B features two World Cup-bound nations and a clear clash of ambition between Egypt and South Africa. Mohamed Salah’s club future with Liverpool may be uncertain, but his leadership role with Egypt is not. The Pharaohs enter as slight favorites in a group that also includes Angola and Zimbabwe.
Seven-time AFCON champions, Egypt haven’t lifted the trophy since 2010, but expectations remain high. They qualified for the World Cup unbeaten (8-2-0), while South Africa’s solid 5-3-2 record also earned passage. Angola and Zimbabwe struggled during qualifying, underlining the gap between contenders and chasers.
Egypt’s attack is built around Salah, supported by Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed, while the midfield and defense lean heavily on domestic stalwarts from Al Ahly, including Trezeguet.
South Africa’s squad is similarly domestic-focused, though Burnley striker Lyle Foster stands out. Mamelodi Sundowns, fresh from FIFA Club World Cup participation, are well represented, including goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Zimbabwe draw heavily from the UK football pyramid, with Wolverhampton’s Tawanda Chirewa among the notable names. Angola, meanwhile, bring youth and creativity, led by Cagliari’s Zito Luvumbo, Famalicão defender Pedro Bondo, and the technically gifted midfielder known simply as Maestro.
Group B Projection: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Nigeria Looks for AFCON Redemption
Group C sets up as a duel between Nigeria and Tunisia. On paper, Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most talented sides, but recent failures — including missing the World Cup — have cast a long shadow. Disputes between players and federation have only added to the tension.
Still, the Super Eagles have firepower. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Chidera Ejuke headline a squad capable of scoring its way into the knockout rounds. Nigeria were eliminated on penalties by DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoff after a mixed qualifying first round, but AFCON offers a chance at reset.
Tunisia, meanwhile, arrive with momentum. The 2004 champions went 9-1-0 in qualifying and remain ruthlessly efficient. Veterans like Ellyes Skhiri anchor the side, while Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri adds youthful energy.
Uganda and Tanzania round out the group. Uganda’s 6-0-4 qualifying record for the World Cup suggests they could sneak into the knockout stage from third. Tanzania lack top-league representation, but veteran striker Mbwana Samatta remains a consistent scoring threat.
Group C Projection: Tunisia, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania
DR Congo Looks To Continue Recent Success
Group D may belong to Senegal, but DR Congo loom as the tournament’s most intriguing dark horse. Fresh off winning a FIFA intercontinental playoff spot, they are building toward something bigger.
Twice AFCON champions, DR Congo actually hold more continental titles than Senegal. Both teams shared a World Cup qualifying group, where Senegal edged the standings at 7-3-0, with DR Congo close behind at 7-1-2. Familiarity could breed danger.
DR Congo’s squad includes veteran defender Chancel Mbemba and striker Cédric Bakambu, while Senegal boast elite European talent such as Sadio Mané (now in the Saudi Pro LeagueL, Bayern’s Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace), and Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham). Emerging prospects like PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye and Sunderland’s Habib Diarra add depth.
Benin quietly posted a 5-2-3 qualifying record, while Botswana struggled throughout qualification. Senegal should still top the group, but DR Congo have the tools to challenge.
Group D Projection: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Algeria Aims for Knockout Stage
Algeria, Morocco’s regional rivals, are eyeing a return to relevance after winning AFCON in 2019. Defensively sound and tactically disciplined, the Desert Foxes qualified for the World Cup with an 8-1-1 record and enter as group favorites.
Riyad Mahrez remains captain, supported by Ramy Bensebaini and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Algeria are also injecting youth, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza gaining valuable tournament experience.
Burkina Faso should not be overlooked. Their 6-3-1 qualifying run showcased balance and belief, with Edmond Tapsoba (Leverkusen), Dango Ouattara, and Bertrand Traoré providing quality.
Sudan and Equatorial Guinea round out the group. Sudan rely heavily on Al Hilal domestic players, while Equatorial Guinea feature Sparta Prague midfielder Santiago Eneme and promising young attackers.
Group E Projection: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Ivory Coast Looks To Defend AFCON Title
Ivory Coast arrive as defending champions and serious contenders, riding an 8-2-0 World Cup qualifying campaign. Their group, however, may be the toughest of the tournament.
Cameroon, five-time AFCON winners, narrowly missed World Cup qualification. Gabon went 8-1-1 in qualifying and are firmly in win-now mode, while Mozambique was a respectable 6-0-4 during World Cup qualifying, though they are not expected to be as competitive in this group.
Gabon are led by Denis Bouanga (LAFC) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille), with Mario Lemina (Galatasaray) controlling midfield. Ivory Coast counter with Evan Ndicka (Roma), Franck Kessié, Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC), Amad Diallo, and young RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande.
Cameroon still have quality in Carlos Baleba and Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), but depth concerns leave them vulnerable. In a group this tight, reputation alone won’t be enough.
The opening stages of AFCON 2025 promise intensity, emotion, and no shortage of surprises. By the time the group stage ends, we’ll know which CAF nations are building toward something lasting — and which were merely passing through on reputation alone.
Group F Projection: Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Mozambique.
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