CAN 2025: List of 24 Qualifiers Revealed
The 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) is one of the most anticipated events on the African sporting calendar, promising moments of great intensity and excitement. This edition will take place in Morocco, where the major African football nations will be represented.
Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Tunisia, Angola, Algeria, Senegal, Mozambique, Nigeria… So many giants together promise fierce competition. However, one notable absence is noteworthy: Ghana, which is mired in a deep sporting crisis, having been eliminated early by Angola and Sudan.
With new forces emerging, this championship reflects a shift in the balance of power in African football. CAN 2025 will be more than a competition; it will be a showcase of the evolution, resilience, and passionate spirit that defines football on the continent. The stage is set, and history is about to be written.
CAN 2025: A Historic Edition
The 35th edition of the CAN will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. Initially scheduled for the summer of 2025, the competition was rescheduled to avoid overlapping with the Club World Cup which brings together 32 teams in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
This change also aims to better adapt to the calendar of European clubs, where the winter season is in full swing and, for whom the AFCON continues to be a delicate matter.
African football fans eagerly await this Moroccan edition, which promises exceptional organization with modern facilities. Morocco, the host country, hopes to shine at home, buoyed by its memorable performance at the 2022 World Cup, where it reached the semi-finals.
Diversity of Selections
The 24 qualified countries reflect the diversity of African football, ranging from established powers like Senegal, the 2022 champions, to “outsiders” like Comoros or Botswana. Here is the full list of competing nations:
- Morocco (host country)
- South Africa
- Angola (country of the PALOP)
- Algeria
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Fasso
- Cameroon
- Comoros
- Ivory Coast
- Egypt
- Gabon
- Equatorial Guinea (country of the PALOP)
- Mali
- Mozambique (country of the PALOP)
- Niga © ria
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Senegal
- Sudão
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Besides Ghana, other notable absences include teams like Togo and Kenya, who failed to reach this level despite high expectations. These eliminations highlight the evolution of African football, with increasingly fierce competition.
The date for the group stage draw has not yet been announced, but the event is already generating significant interest. All eyes will be on the cups to determine which groups will be the most competitive.
Morocco in the spotlight
For Morocco, the host country, this CAN 2025 will be a major sporting and economic showcase. The kingdom aims not only to win the title but also to demonstrate its ability to organize major international events, as in past editions. With a mix of experienced teams and enthusiastic newcomers, this CAN 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
Fans in Africa and around the world can expect memorable matches and top-notch performances. All the ingredients are in place for an edition that will mark the history of African football. It remains to be seen who will lift the coveted trophy on January 18, 2026.
Conclusion
The 2025 African Cup of Nations is a reflection of the vibrant potential and unwavering passion that defines African football. Morocco, with its modern organization and sporting ambitions, will provide an excellent backdrop for this event.
From favorites like Senegal and Algeria to the inspiring stories of teams like Comoros and Botswana, this edition promises to capture the imagination of fans around the world.
As we approach the final, scheduled for January 18, 2026, one thing is increasingly certain: CAN 2025 will go down in history as a landmark of diversity, competitiveness and passion for the game.
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Picture: © 2024 Francisco Lopes-Santos
