The Africa Cup of Nations returns this December, with the tournament running from 21 December to 18 January. Hosted by Morocco, the 35th edition of the competition promises the usual mix of high-stakes drama and international stardom.

The Frontrunners: Morocco and Egypt

Morocco enters the tournament as the team to beat. Playing on home soil, Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions are riding an unprecedented 18-game winning streak. Their squad is anchored by PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year, alongside Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz. Given their current form and home advantage, they are widely expected to dominate Group A against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.

Egypt remains a perennial powerhouse, seeking to end a drought that stretches back to 2010. The Pharaohs’ campaign has been clouded by Mohamed Salah’s public frustrations at Liverpool, but the talismanic forward remains essential. With 277 Premier League goal involvements, Salah arrives in Morocco looking to cement his legacy by finally securing an elusive AFCON trophy.

The Defensive Favourites: Senegal and Algeria

Defending their status as one of the continent’s most balanced sides, Senegal has found a new rhythm under Pape Thiaw. Their attack is particularly frightening, featuring the pace of Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye alongside the veteran leadership of Sadio Mané.

Algeria, meanwhile, is looking for redemption after failing to make it past the group stages in the last two editions. Vladimir Petković will rely on the creative spark of Riyad Mahrez and the clinical form of Mohamed Amoura, who led the scoring charts during the World Cup qualifiers.

The Challengers: Nigeria and Ivory Coast

Nigeria arrives with a depleted defence following the retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong and injuries to key full-backs. However, their firepower remains elite, led by Victor Osimhen. They face a tough early test in Group C against a disciplined Tunisia side.

Holders Ivory Coast, face the difficult task of becoming the first back-to-back champions in fifteen years. After their “miracle” run to the title in 2023, manager Emerse Faé has made bold squad calls, including the return of Wilfried Zaha.

Turmoil in Cameroon

While teams like Mali and South Africa look to cause upsets, Cameroon’s preparations have been marred by a civil war between FA president Samuel Eto’o and head coach Marc Brys. With two different squads being discussed and public infighting, the Indomitable Lions face an uphill battle to find stability before their opening fixture.