The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, featuring Africa’s leading national teams.
A total of 25 players currently competing in the English Premier League are expected to participate in the tournament, highlighting the league’s strong impact on African football. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast and Nigeria top the list for Premier League representation, with four players each named.
Under FIFA international regulations, clubs are required to release eligible players starting Monday, December 15, while participating nations are allowed to register squads of up to 28 players for the competition.
Full list of players confirmed
Sunderland (5):
Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Reinildo (Mozambique), Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo).
Manchester United (3):
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco).
Fulham (3):
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria).
Burnley (3):
Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Lyle Foster (South Africa), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia).
Nottingham Forest (2):
Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast), Willy Boly (Ivory Coast).
Brentford (2):
Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria).
Manchester City (1):
Omar Marmoush (Egypt).
West Ham United (1):
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo).
Wolves (2):
Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast).
Brighton & Hove Albion (1):
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon).
Crystal Palace (2):
Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal), Cheick Doucouré (Mali).
Liverpool (1):
Mohammed Salah (Egypt).