The final lineup of 24 nations for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now complete, with Mozambique claiming the last spot after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
The much-anticipated tournament is scheduled to commence in December 2025, with Morocco serving as the host nation and securing automatic qualification.
The competition promises to showcase a mix of seasoned giants and emerging contenders vying for Africa’s most prestigious football trophy.
Powerhouses and Former Champions in the Mix
Among the qualified nations are several previous champions, including defending title holders Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Algeria, and Egypt. These teams advanced convincingly through the qualifiers, reaffirming their status as continental heavyweights.
Nigeria, Tunisia, and South Africa also secured their places, ensuring that some of Africa’s most iconic teams will feature in the tournament.
Emerging Teams and Notable Comebacks
The qualifiers highlighted the evolving competitiveness of African football, with the return of teams like DR Congo, Angola, and Gabon to the AFCON stage. Botswana and Mozambique marked significant milestones, with Botswana ending a 12-year absence and Mozambique making a triumphant return.
Sudan and Benin clinched their places on the final day of qualifying, while Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, and Comoros joined the roster earlier, further enriching the tournament’s diversity.
Equatorial Guinea and Uganda, known for their spirited performances in past tournaments, will also compete in Morocco, adding depth to the competition.
The 24 Qualified Nations
Here’s the full list of countries heading to Morocco for AFCON 2025:
- 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
Anticipation Builds for AFCON 2025
With all 24 slots filled, excitement is mounting for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. Featuring a balanced blend of traditional powerhouses and rising teams, AFCON 2025 is set to showcase the best of African football on its grandest stage.
