Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Winners, Hosts & Senegal Row

For millions of football fans across Africa, the Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s biggest stage—but 2025 has brought more headlines off the pitch than on it. Between Senegal’s stripped title and the WAFCON postponement, the tournament is navigating legal appeals, scheduling chaos, and a shifting power balance. Here’s what’s actually happening with AFCON right now, from the winners list to the next host nation.

Current champions: Côte d’Ivoire · Most titles: Egypt (7) · Next men’s tournament: 2025 AFCON (Morocco, 2025–2026) · Next women’s tournament: WAFCON 2026 (postponed to July)

Six key milestones define AFCON’s trajectory, from its 1957 debut to the current legal drama.

Who are the current winners of the Africa Cup of Nations?

• Côte d’Ivoire are the current champions, having won the 2023 tournament that concluded in February 2024 (BBC Sport).
• Egypt holds the record for most titles with 7 championships (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010) (Wikipedia).
• The 2026 AFCON has not been played; no winner exists yet.

Which country has the most AFCON titles?

Egypt leads with 7 titles, followed by Cameroon (5) and Ghana (4) (Wikipedia).

AFCON winners by year since 1957

Seven different nations have won the title. The last five winners: Senegal (2021), Algeria (2019), Cameroon (2017), Côte d’Ivoire (2015), Nigeria (2013) (Wikipedia).

Why has Senegal been stripped of the AFCON?

CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the AFCON 2025 final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 default victory (CAF Appeal Board Media Statement). The decision cited Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations. Senegal had originally won 1-0 on 18 January 2026, but CAF overturned the result (BBC Sport). Senegal plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Al Jazeera).

What happened with Senegal and Morocco?

• Morocco were officially declared winners after CAF overturned the result (BBC Sport).
• CAF said Senegal forfeited the final match (CAF).
• The ruling grants Morocco their first African title since 1976 (Al Jazeera).

What is the current situation in Senegal?

Senegal’s football federation has indicated it will file an appeal with CAS (Sky Sports News). The case could take months to resolve.

Who is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2026?

• Morocco is the confirmed host for the 2025/2026 AFCON (CAF).
• The 2027 host has not been officially confirmed yet (Wikipedia).
• AFCON 2028 is speculative with potential bids from East African nations.

Where will the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 be held?

No official announcement. Potential bidders include Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya (Wikipedia).

Future AFCON host announcements

CAF typically opens bids 4-6 years in advance. The 2029 host could be decided by 2026.

Who is playing in Afcon 2026?

Qualification matches are ongoing; the final field of 24 teams is not yet determined. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire automatically qualify (CAF). Teams like Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria are expected to participate.

Qualified teams for the 2025/2026 AFCON

• Côte d’Ivoire (automatic as defending champion)
• Morocco (host)
• Remaining slots determined by qualifiers ongoing through 2025

Qualification process and groups

48 teams compete in 12 groups; group winners and best runners-up advance. Matches run until November 2025.

Why is Wafcon 2026 postponed?

CAF postponed the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 just 12 days before kickoff (BBC Sport). Originally scheduled for March 17–April 3, it was rescheduled to July 25–August 16 (ESPN Africa). CAF cited “a combination of factors” including scheduling conflicts and logistical challenges (DW). Morocco retains hosting rights (ESPN Africa).

Combination of factors behind WAFCON postponement

• Coincided with the 2024 Paris Olympics originally, causing initial delay from 2024 to 2025 (DW).
• Logistical issues with venues and travel in March 2026.
• No new date announced beyond July shift.

New dates for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

WAFCON 2026 now runs July 25 to August 16, 2026, in Morocco.

Timeline

• 1957: First Africa Cup of Nations held in Sudan; Egypt wins.
• 2023 (played 2024): Côte d’Ivoire wins the 2023 AFCON.
• 2024: Senegal stripped of AFCON title (pending CAS appeal).
• 2025: WAFCON 2026 postponed by CAF.
• 2025–2026: Next men’s AFCON scheduled in Morocco.

What’s confirmed, what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Côte d’Ivoire are current champions.
• Egypt has won the most AFCON titles (7).
• Morocco will host the 2025/2026 AFCON.
• WAFCON 2026 is postponed to July 25–August 16.

What’s unclear

• Outcome of Senegal’s CAS appeal.
• Exact new date for WAFCON 2026 (if further changes).
• Host for 2027 AFCON.
• Full list of qualified teams for 2026 AFCON.

Key voices

CAF cited a “combination of factors” for the WAFCON 2026 postponement, but declined to elaborate further.

CAF spokesperson, via DW

Senegal’s football federation confirmed it is lodging an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against CAF’s decision to strip the team of the AFCON title.

Senegal Football Federation representative, via Al Jazeera

ESPN reported that Morocco retained hosting rights for WAFCON 2026 after the postponement, ensuring continuity.

ESPN Africa

The pattern is clear: AFCON in 2025 is not just a football tournament—it’s a governance stress test. For CAF, the next challenge is restoring trust in its disciplinary and scheduling processes. For Senegal, the choice is between accepting the ruling or pursuing a CAS case that could drag into 2027. For Morocco, the opportunity to host both men’s and women’s tournaments is a double-edged sword—deliver successfully or face intensified scrutiny.

For a deeper look at the tournament’s history and the Senegal controversy, check out our comprehensive AFCON 2025 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• English Premier League Table 2025-26: Standings & History
• Saudi Pro League Games 2025-26 Schedule & Streaming