The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with 21 countries already confirming their places after Monday’s round of qualifiers.
This leaves only three slots remaining, as teams prepare to battle for the coveted spots in Africa’s premier football competition.
The nations that have successfully qualified include a mix of past champions, rising powers, and debutants, demonstrating the diverse talent across the continent.
From North Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia have sealed their tickets.
West Africa will be strongly represented by Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire (the defending champions), Burkina Faso, and Benin Republic.
Central Africa brings DR Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Angola into the fold, while Southern Africa sees South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Comoros making the cut. East Africa also boasts representation with Uganda and Sudan clinching qualification.
Morocco, the tournament’s host nation, automatically qualified and will be aiming to leverage home advantage to make a strong impact.
The Atlas Lions, who have consistently been one of Africa’s top footballing nations, will hope to end their title drought and lift the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1976.
The defending champions, Cote d’Ivoire, will return to the tournament with high hopes of defending their title.
Earlier this year, the Elephants triumphed over Nigeria in a thrilling 2-1 victory in the final to claim their third AFCON title. With a squad brimming with talent, they remain one of the favorites for the 2025 edition.
Meanwhile, Senegal, the 2021 champions and reigning African giants, will also be looking to reclaim their throne.
Other traditional heavyweights, such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Cameroon, will aim to make a strong push for the title, while smaller teams like Comoros and Benin Republic will seek to create upsets on the big stage.
The 2025 AFCON is set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The tournament promises to showcase the best of African football, uniting fans across the continent and beyond.
As the final qualifying matches approach, the remaining teams will fight fiercely for the three unclaimed slots, ensuring no shortage of drama and excitement.
The stage is set, and football fans around the world eagerly await the spectacle that is AFCON.
