A total of 24 teams will compete in the Africa Cup 2025. Among them are nearly all the prominent footballing nations of the continent, including host nation Morocco, defending champion Ivory Coast, and record-holder Egypt. Who are the top contenders according to licensed operators?
Morocco
Heading into the tournament, Morocco is considered one of the strongest favorites to claim this year’s African championship. The “Atlas Lions” not only have the advantage of playing on home soil but are also recognized as one of the top teams globally.
Morocco currently holds the 11th spot in the FIFA world rankings, sitting just one position behind Germany. As a result, they are not only considered strong contenders for the World Cup 2026 title but also stand among the leading favorites for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy this time around.
Morocco’s squad is packed with notable figures such as Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd, Youssef En-Nesyri, Brahim Díaz, and Stuttgart’s rising star Bilal El Khannouss. In the forecasts for the Africa Cup, Morocco is firmly established as the favorite in the rankings for “Who will win the Africa Cup 2025?”
Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast claimed the African Championship last year, winning the final 2-1 against Nigeria. As the reigning champions, they are naturally among the top contenders. Despite possessing prominent offensive stars like Sébastien Haller, Yan Diomandé, Simon Adingra, and Nicolas Pépé, the “Elephants” under coach Emerse Faé rely more on counterattacking football and a solid defensive foundation, anchored by their defensive leader, Evan Ndicka.
Their strength was evident during the qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Across ten matches, they netted 25 goals while managing to keep a clean sheet throughout! In terms of squad market value, the team also ranks as one of the primary candidates to take home the African Championship trophy. Following Morocco and Senegal, the Ivory Coast is, at least on paper, the third-strongest team on the continent.
Egypt
Egypt holds the record for the most titles in the Africa Cup of Nations history, clinching the championship an impressive seven times. However, their last victory dates back to 2010, which feels like an eternity ago. For star player Mo Salah, this might be the final opportunity to claim the continental crown.
Alongside Salah, Egypt’s squad also boasts another world-class striker, Omar Marmoush. Thanks to this strong lineup, Egypt is considered among the top contenders according to the Africa Cup predictions.
Senegal and Nigeria
Senegal claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022, while Nigeria reached the final in the previous tournament. Both teams remain among the top contenders in the 2025 Africa Cup forecasts.
The Senegalese squad revolves around key players such as superstar Sadio Mané, Bayern striker Nicolas Jackson, fullback Ismail Jakobs, standout goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and record-breaking midfielder Idrissa Gueye. Expectations are high for this team to perform exceptionally in the competition.
Ranked 19th in the FIFA standings, Senegal stands as the second-best African team, at least on paper. Additionally, their squad’s market value is the second highest among the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 favorites. Nigeria is also a strong contender in the race for the Africa Cup title, given the talent within the squad. Star striker Victor Osimhen, midfield engine Wilfred Ndidi, and winger Samuel Chukwueze have the potential to make a decisive difference for the Super Eagles.