As the countdown to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations begins, all eyes turn to Morocco, the host nation.
The tournament, scheduled for December 21, 2025, promises fierce competition among Africa’s elite.
Here are the five nations most likely to dominate in the tournament.
Teams to Watch at AFCON 2025
Morocco
Morocco enters the tournament as both hosts and favourites, as it is Africa’s top-ranked team, ranked 11th in the FIFA world rankings.
The Atlas Lions boast a squad dominated by Europe-based professionals competing at the highest level, particularly in Spain, France, and the Premier League.
Under coach Walid Regragui, Morocco has maintained an 18-match unbeaten streak, conceding only four goals during that period.
This can be attributed to Achraf Hakimi’s pace and precision from the flanks, Youssef En-Nesyri’s aerial threat, and Brahim Díaz’s creativity in midfield.
Home advantage adds another layer of dominance, making Morocco the team to beat.
Egypt
Egypt remains the most decorated team in AFCON history with seven titles, including an unmatched three consecutive wins in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Despite falling short in recent editions, including a runner-up finish in 2021, the Pharaohs continue to command respect in African football, with their last triumph coming in 2010.
Under coach Hossam Hassan, Mohamed Salah leads the attack, offering world-class finishing and creativity, and is supported by Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Trezeguet, forming a dynamic forward line that troubled defenses and helped Egypt qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
Defensively, Egypt has an impressive record, conceding just three goals in six qualifying matches.
With history on their side and a squad blending experience and youth, Egypt, currently ranked 5th in Africa and 36th globally by FIFA, enters Morocco 2025 as a contender driven by legacy and numbers.
Senegal
Senegal enters AFCON 2025 as one of Africa’s most consistent performers.
The Lions of Teranga claimed their first-ever title in 2021, defeating Egypt on penalties, and followed it with a high-scoring run in 2023, but were knocked out in the quarterfinals.
Under their long-serving and trusted coach Aliou Cissé, Senegal has built a squad that blends experience and athleticism.
Senegal has reached the AFCON semifinals in three consecutive tournaments and is expected to feature in the later stages of the tournament.
Sadio Mané remains Senegal’s leading man, contributing 38 international goals and leadership on the pitch.
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Senegal holds the 18th spot in the FIFA World Rankings and is second in Africa, trailing only Morocco.
Nigeria
Nigeria enters AFCON 2025 as one of the continent’s most successful sides, boasting three titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and four runners-up finishes, including their most recent in 2023, where they lost 2–1 to the Ivory Coast in the final.
Over the last decade, the Super Eagles have reached the semifinals or better in three of the previous five tournaments.
In the qualifiers for Morocco 2025, Nigeria finished top of their group with five wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding 4, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the campaign.
Nigeria is 6th in Africa and 40th in global FIFA rankings, and historically averages 1.8 goals per game in AFCON finals.
Algeria
Algeria, champions in 2019, return to AFCON 2025 aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 campaign, where they exited in the group stage.
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Historically, the Desert Foxes have lifted the trophy twice (1990, 2019) and have reached the knockout rounds in five of the last seven tournaments.
Their qualification run for Morocco 2025 was very impressive: 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 11 goals and conceding 5.
Algeria currently ranks 7th in Africa and 44th globally in FIFA rankings, keeping them firmly among the continent’s elite.
With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, Algeria enters the tournament as a team to watch.
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