FULL LIST: EPL teams most affected by AFCON 2025 call-up

The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

This timing overlaps with the Premier League’s busy festive period, potentially causing teams to miss up to 6-7 league games (plus cup ties) per player if their national side advances deep into the tournament.

Around 47-51 Premier League players are expected to participate, representing 24 African nations.

Teams are “most affected” based on the number of players departing, particularly if they are key starters or from strong national teams likely to progress.

Here’s a breakdown of the top-impacted teams, including player counts and notable absences. The data is based on confirmed call-ups and expected squads as of November 2025.

Sunderland

Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Reinildo (Mozambique), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), Arthur Masuaku & Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)

Wolves

Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast), Jackson Tchatchoua (Cameroon), Marshall Munetsi (Zimbabwe), Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe), Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria)

Burnley

Lyle Foster (South Africa), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)

Crystal Palace

Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Chadi Riad (Morocco), Cheick Doucoure (Mali), Christantus Uche (Nigeria)

Nottingham Forest

Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast)

Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)

Ola Aina (Nigeria)

Manchester United

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

Tottenham

Yves Bissouma (Mali), Pape Mateta (Ivory Coast)

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Manchester City

Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

Fulham

Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)

Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)

Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)