As the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 gets underway in Morocco starting December 21, the tournament promises another thrilling chapter in African football's premier event, with hosts Morocco entering as strong favorites amid home support and a talented generation of players.
Defending champions Ivory Coast, who dramatically overcame Nigeria in the 2023 final to claim their third title, face the challenge of retaining the trophy in a wide-open field known for its unpredictability, upsets, and emerging stars.
African Cup of Nations 2026 Odds
African Cup of Nations 2026 Odds
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Morocco | 5/2 | 28.6% |
Egypt | 11/2 | 15.4% |
Algeria | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Senegal | 6/1 | 14.3% |
Nigeria | 9/1 | 10% |
Ivory Coast | 12/1 | 6.7% |
Mali | 12/1 | 6.7% |
Tunisia | 12/1 | 6.7% |
Cameroon | 16/1 | 5.9% |
South Africa | 40/1 | 2.4% |
Bar | 50/1 | 2% |
The Favourite
Morocco Destined To End 50 Year Drought?
Morocco will look to make the most of home advantage and the absence of a major rival as they attempt to win the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 50 years. The Atlas Lions’ only previous triumph came back in 1976, and they have not even reached the final since 2004, but they are 5/2 favourites for glory next month in the African Cup of Nations 2026 odds.
That is partly because, for only the second time, they will be staging AFCON - 12 of the 34 editions have been won by the host nation, including Ivory Coast last time out - but also because of their devastating form over the last few years.
Since losing to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup third-place play-off , Morocco have suffered just two defeats in 34 matches - both at the hands of South Africa - while they are on an 18-match winning streak which has smashed the international record held by Spain . That run includes victories in all six AFCON qualifiers when they scored 26 goals and conceded only two . Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz netted seven of those goals, leaving him top of the scoring charts, and he is just one notable name available to coach Walid Regragui.
The likes o f 2025 African Football of the Year Achraf Hakimi (PSG) , Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille) , S ofyan Amrabat (Real Betis) and Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce) are also in the squad, although former captain Hakim Ziyech is absent.
Another reason for Morocco to feel confident is the fact that Ghana , the third most successful nation in AFCON history behind Egypt and Cameroon , failed to qualify for the first time since 2004 despite boasting the quality of Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and the Ayew brothers.
Egypt
Major Player Egypt Expected To Challenge
As usual, Egypt appear to be one of the biggest threats to Morocco’s hopes at the tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18, with the Pharaohs 11/2 to walk away with an eighth AFCON crown.
With a strikeforce that can call on Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush , Egypt will fancy their chances of ending a 16-year wait to win the competition, having been losing finalists in 2017 and 2021.
Senegal
Star-Studded Senegal Looking For AFCON Repeat
Algeria and Senegal are rated at 6/1 in the African Cup of Nations 2026 odds , with the latter certainly boasting the firepower and experience that could take the 2021 champions all the way again.
Sadio Mane , Nicolas Jackson , Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye are no strangers to Premier League fans, while the Lions of Teranga have Pape Matar Sarr , Idrissa Gueye , Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy providing a wealth of know-how behind them.
Senegal are also the only team to have beaten, or even scored against, England in nine matches under Thomas Tuchel, having defeated the World Cup hopefuls 3-1 in a summer friendly in Nottingham .
Outside Bets
Can Nigeria Go One Better?
Among the other main contenders, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria , runners-up in 2023, are 9/1 for a fourth AFCON title, while the Ivory Coast are 12/1 to retain their crown, with Tunisia and Mali the same odds.
Cameroon
Can Cameroon Reverse World Cup Dissapoinment?
Cameroon , who surprisingly failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup, are 16/1 to emerge victorious in Rabat next month under new coach David Pagou.
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
