Power Rankings: Which Nations Will Battle for Africa Cup Glory in 2025?
The continent's most coveted trophy awaits as 24 nations battle for African supremacy.
Morocco serves as host for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations edition while the globe anticipates the tournament's trademark unpredictable excitement. Upsets, theatrics and disputes are always within reach.
This football celebration kicks off on Dec. 21 with numerous teams carrying championship aspirations before kickoff. Seven different champions have emerged since 2010, making it difficult to predict a clear favorite before competition begins.
The tournament expects intense competition, with northern and western African countries holding the strongest championship prospects, though an unexpected victor remains possible.
Below are Sports Illustrated's championship contenders—in order.
5. Nigeria
Nigeria undoubtedly features one of the most potent offenses and devoted supporter bases among 2025 Africa Cup of Nations participants, positioning them firmly among top championship contenders. A squad featuring Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze demands respect.
Osimhen and Lookman stand out as exceptional talents capable of nearly single-handedly propelling the Super Eagles toward victory, supported by a solid ensemble cast. Their midfield offers reliable depth, while additional forwards can contribute alongside the star partnership.
Nevertheless, Éric Chelle's team could be vulnerable defensively. Fulham's Calvin Bassey and Porto's Zaidu Sanusi represent their strongest defensive assets, but a backline featuring three English Championship players will face significant challenges. Stanley Nwabali also falls short of elite goalkeeper standards.
Nigeria's failure to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification raises concerns approaching AFCON, though it offers a chance for redemption.
4. Algeria
Algeria claimed the 2019 championship but has disappointed in recent campaigns. They failed to advance from group stages in 2021 and 2023, remaining winless in three of their last four tournament appearances. Their history suggests they could either capture the title or exit early.
Nevertheless, they rank among favorites due to an impressive roster still featuring captain Riyad Mahrez. The 34-year-old has declined since leaving Manchester City for Al Ahli, but remains a formidable creative presence in Morocco.
Wolfsburg's Mohamed Amoura shoulders their scoring responsibilities. He topped CAF's 2026 World Cup qualification scoring charts with ten goals and maintains a goal every two international appearances.
Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ramy Bensebaini anchor an unremarkable defense, but former Switzerland manager Vladimir Petković brings the experience needed to guide Algeria through deep tournament runs.
3. Egypt
Mohamed Salah has generated negative headlines recently, but the Egyptian superstar aims to command attention positively in Morocco. Record seven-time AFCON champions Egypt depend on the Liverpool icon, who seeks to lead his country to their first victory since 2010.
Egypt narrowly missed glory in 2021, falling to Senegal on penalties, and that disappointment will drive their campaign. They also reached the 2017 final and believe they deserve an eighth championship.
Salah isn't their only weapon, with Manchester City's Omar Marmoush sharing attacking duties recently, but most squad members play domestically in Egypt, providing connectivity and unity that benefits AFCON performance.
Eight players represent Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, while nine more play for Pyramids or Zamalek. This squad shares remarkable familiarity.
Whether this proves sufficient for Hossam Hassan's team to claim the trophy remains uncertain, but they'll certainly contend.
2. Senegal
Senegal broke their painful championship drought in 2021 by defeating Egypt in the final, but circumstances have shifted since. Relatively inexperienced Pape Thiaw assumed control and helped the Lions of Teranga regain their confidence following a disappointing 2023 AFCON showing.
Senegal remained undefeated during 2026 World Cup qualification, securing placement in the 'Group of Death' alongside France and Norway, while recent friendly performances impressed. An outstanding 3–1 Wembley victory over England in June preceded a competitive November loss to Brazil.
Their roster overflows with talent. Twenty of twenty-seven squad members compete in Europe's top five leagues, while Kalidou Koulibaly, Édouard Mendy and Sadio Mané can still compete at the highest level despite recent Saudi Pro League transfers.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, Crystal Palace's Ismaïla Sarr and Bayern Munich's Nicolas Jackson spearhead an elite attack, while Idrissa Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr provide midfield energy and skill. They'll undoubtedly be a tournament powerhouse.
1. Morocco
Since Egypt's 2006 home triumph, only Ivory Coast has won AFCON on home territory, accomplishing this in 2023. However, Morocco appears positioned to join the list of victorious hosts, possessing the form, roster and experience to secure their first title since 1976.
That marked their sole previous championship and they haven't reached the final since 2004, but this tournament could change everything. Morocco ranks 11th in FIFA world standings—AFCON's highest-ranked participant—and continues riding momentum from their 2022 World Cup fourth-place finish.
Captain Achraf Hakimi clearly leads as their cornerstone, but the Atlas Lions feature quality throughout. Yassine Bounou excels between the posts, while Noussair Mazraoui joins Hakimi in a reliable defense. La Liga midfielders Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi will feature alongside PSV Eindhoven star Ismael Saibari in midfield, while Brahim Díaz, Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi provide excellent attacking alternatives.
Walid Regragui commands abundant options and is well-positioned to advance his Morocco squad to tournament's final stages with home crowd support.