The 2025 African Cup of Nations, which Morocco is scheduled to host, is expected to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. After the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, this would be the 35th edition of the continental championships awarding the greatest football team in Africa.

The CAN 2025 qualification comes to an end with the completion of the 24 teams competing for continental supremacy. Among those many developments, one that stands out is Botswana’s return, which makes its first CAN appearance in 12 years.

The Legacy of AFCON 2023: Setting New Standards

Hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) improved football across the continent. Attracting over two billion people globally, the event offered an intriguing blend of entertainment, talent, and competitiveness. Celebrated as one of the most exciting versions in recent history, the group stages saw an outstanding 2.47 goals-per-game average—the highest in 15 years.

Superstars Shine on the Global Stage

World-class performances by legends including Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Sadio Mané (Al Nassr), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), and Andre Onana (Manchester United) enhanced the global appeal of the league. These stars brought attention to the depth of talent in Africa by combining with its developing talents.

CAN 2025 Key Dates and Updates

• Tournament Dates: The competition will kick off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and conclude with the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
• Draw Details: The official date and location for the CAN 2025 draw in Morocco have yet to be announced.

Qualified Teams for CAN 2025

The lineup of 24 teams is complete, promising a thrilling tournament. Here’s the full list of qualified nations:

• Morocco (Hosts)
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Algeria
• DR Congo
• Senegal
• Egypt
• Angola
• Equatorial Guinea
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Uganda
• South Africa
• Gabon
• Tunisia
• Nigeria
• Zambia
• Mali
• Zimbabwe
• Comoros
• Sudan
• Benin
• Tanzania
• Botswana
• Mozambique

Standout Stories from the Qualifiers

The qualification campaign delivered thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes.

• Uganda’s Comeback: Uganda secured their spot after missing the last two editions, finishing with a triumphant 1-0 victory against Congo.
• Pamoja Representation: Both Uganda and Tanzania, key nations in the 2027 Afcon Pamoja Bid, proudly advanced to Morocco.
• Kenya’s Struggles: Despite efforts, Kenya fell short of qualification, with issues such as CAF uncertified stadiums forcing them to play home matches in Kampala.

Notable Performances

• Continental Giants: Heavyweights like Senegal, Egypt, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire cemented their dominance.
• Surprise Entries: Botswana and Mozambique’s qualification injected fresh excitement into the tournament narrative.

AFCON 2025: A Battle of Titans and Underdogs

CAN 2025 offers an exciting contest combining aspirational newcomers with seasoned champions. Morocco, the host country, promises to provide the ideal environment for Africa’s premier football event.

Contenders to Watch

• Côte d’Ivoire: The current champions are determined to defend their title. Rising star Karim Konaté, a Kopa Trophy contender, will lead the attack.
• Senegal: Building on their outstanding recent exploits, Sadio Mané and his team hope to win a second title.
• Egypt: Led by Mohamed Salah, the most awarded team in AFCON history will seek to recover their supremacy.
• Nigeria and Algeria: Both Nigeria and Algeria are constant powerhouses that impress with their dynamic approaches and strong teams.

Underdog Stories to Inspire

The qualifiers for AFCON 2025 produced several remarkable underdog tales:

• Tanzania: Clinched a spot with a historic win over Guinea, marking their fourth appearance.
• Botswana: Secured qualification after a hard-fought draw in Cairo, making a dramatic return after 12 years.
• Mozambique: Pulled off a last-minute qualification, adding Southern African flair to the competition.

What to Expect from CAN 2025?

The African Cup of Nations 2025 promises to be a highlight of football excellence. Fans are in for a great event as powerful nations like Egypt, Senegal, and Nigeria fight for the championship while host nation Morocco seeks to have an impact.