Africa Cup of Nations – Standings, Winners and 2026 Preview

The Africa Cup of Nations stands as the premier men’s international football tournament across Africa. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the competition has determined the continental champion biennially since its inaugural edition in 1957.

Fifteen different nations have lifted the trophy across 35 completed tournaments, with Egypt establishing itself as the most successful nation through seven championship victories. The tournament has evolved from a three-team event into a competition featuring extensive qualifying rounds, with the current trophy design introduced in 2002.

What are the Africa Cup of Nations standings?

Current standings for the 2025/2026 qualifying cycle remain unavailable as of March 2026. The most recent completed tournament concluded in January 2026, though the final result remains subject to ongoing administrative review.

• Egypt holds the record with seven championships, achieved in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010
• Cameroon ranks second historically with five total victories
• Ghana has secured four titles, placing third among all nations
• Fifteen different countries have won the tournament across 35 editions
• The competition shifted to odd-numbered years from 2013 to avoid FIFA World Cup scheduling conflicts
• Three distinct trophies have been awarded throughout history

Who are the AFCON winners over the last 10 years and most successful teams?

The 2025 Final Controversy

Morocco hosted the December 21, 2025–January 18, 2026 tournament, culminating in a final held in Rabat. Initial results indicated Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, a March 2026 appeals decision overturned this outcome, awarding the title to host Morocco instead.

Historical Dominance

Egypt’s seven titles span multiple decades, beginning with the inaugural 1957 victory over Ethiopia and including the 1959 triumph as the United Arab Republic. Cameroon has secured five championships, while Ghana has earned four titles.

Recent Champions

Ivory Coast won the 2023 tournament on home soil, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final. Senegal claimed their first title in 2021, beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw. Algeria triumphed in 2019 with a 1-0 victory over Senegal, while Cameroon won in 2017, defeating Egypt 2-1.

What do we know about Africa Cup of Nations 2026 games?

Scheduling Uncertainty

No specific details regarding a 2026 edition have been released. Following the 2013 shift to odd-numbered years, the next tournament would theoretically occur in 2027, maintaining the biennial pattern established to avoid FIFA World Cup conflicts.

Qualifier Status

Ongoing qualifier data remains unavailable as of March 2026. The African qualifying tournament for the FIFA World Cup runs separately, though performance in AFCON often influences seeding and rankings for World Cup qualification draws.

How to get Africa Cup of Nations tickets and check games today?

Current Availability

No current fixtures, standings tables, or ticket details are available for the next championship cycle. The 2025 tournament concluded in January 2026 with the disputed final in Rabat.

Future Sales

When the next tournament approaches, tickets typically become available through CAF’s official channels approximately six months before opening matches. Host nations generally designate primary stadiums across multiple cities, with final matches historically held in capitals or major metropolitan centers.

How has the Africa Cup of Nations evolved since 1957?

1. 1957: Egypt defeats Ethiopia 4-0 in the inaugural final
2. 1963: Ghana claims its first title, beginning West African dominance
3. 1974: Zaire (now DR Congo) wins the first of two titles
4. 1996: South Africa triumphs in the first post-apartheid tournament
5. 2002: New trophy design introduced, replacing previous iterations
6. 2013: Tournament moves to odd years to avoid World Cup overlap
7. 2023: Ivory Coast wins as hosts, defeating Nigeria 2-1
8. 2025: Morocco hosts; final result disputed following March 2026 appeal

What facts are confirmed versus unclear about recent AFCON editions?

How does AFCON fit into African and world football?

The tournament serves as the primary qualification pathway and showcase for African talent on the world stage. CAF coordinates scheduling with FIFA to avoid direct conflicts with World Cup tournaments, though the competition retains distinct characteristics separate from global qualifying campaigns.

While AFCON represents the men’s championship, a separate Women’s Africa Cup of Nations operates on its own cycle. The Senegal women’s team qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, though no direct competitive link exists between the men’s AFCON and women’s tournament pathways. Players like How Old is Jude Bellingham represent the generation of European-based talent increasingly prominent in recent editions.

What do officials say about recent AFCON decisions?

“Administrative robbery”

— Senegal Football Federation statement regarding the March 2026 appeal decision overturning their 2025 victory, as reported by TRT Afrika

What should fans know about the Africa Cup of Nations today?

The tournament enters a transitional period following the disputed 2025 conclusion and the absence of confirmed 2026 dates. Egypt remains the historical standard with seven titles, while newer champions like Ivory Coast and Senegal reflect shifting continental power dynamics. Construction of modern stadium facilities across Africa, including developments comparable to the Everton New Stadium Capacity, continues to elevate the tournament’s infrastructure capabilities for future editions.