The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will significantly impact the Premier League as multiple first-team players leave mid-season to represent their countries. The tournament will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, overlapping with the Premier League’s congested festive fixture period.
Below is a complete list of Premier League clubs and players confirmed or strongly expected to participate in AFCON 2025, organized by club.
Liverpool
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Manchester United
- Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Manchester City
- Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (Algeria)
Brentford
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
- Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
Fulham
- Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
- Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
Everton
- Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)
- Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
Nottingham Forest
- Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast)
- Willy Boly (Ivory Coast)
Sunderland
- Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso)
- Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
- Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
- Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)
- Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique)
- Habib Diarra (Senegal)
Sunderland could be one of the most affected sides during AFCON 2025, with multiple squad members expected to feature across several national teams.
Burnley
- Lyle Foster (South Africa)
- Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
- Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)
Crystal Palace
- Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
How AFCON 2025 Will Impact the Premier League
AFCON 2025 arrives during one of the busiest periods of the English football calendar. Clubs may be without key players for three to six Premier League matches, depending on tournament progression.
The impact could influence title races, European qualification battles, and relegation fights, particularly for teams with limited squad depth.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will once again underline the Premier League’s global influence, showcasing elite African talent on an international stage. While clubs must manage short-term disruption, AFCON remains one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.
This article will be updated as final national team squads are officially confirmed.