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The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, bringing together the continent’s top national teams.
At least 25 players currently featuring in the English Premier League are expected to compete, underlining the league’s growing influence on African football. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast and Nigeria lead the list, with four Premier League players each included.
In line with FIFA international regulations, clubs must release eligible players from Monday, December 15. Participating countries may register squads of up to 28 players for the tournament.
Confirmed Premier League players
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)
