The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is reaching its climax, and we're here to discuss the fate of Premier League players participating in this prestigious tournament. As the final group stage matches approach, let's explore how these players are performing and whether any of them might return to their clubs sooner than expected.
The AFCON Journey: A Premier League Perspective
AFCON 2025 has been an exciting ride so far, with Premier League players representing their nations proudly. The tournament, which began on December 21, 2025, and will conclude on January 18, 2026, has impacted FPL gameweeks 17 to 22. The outcome of the group stages will determine when these players can return to their clubs, and we're here to break it down for you.
Group Stage Exits and Early Returns
Here's the deal: players who exit the tournament during the group stages could potentially return to their Premier League clubs as early as gameweek 20. However, those who progress to the knockout rounds might be absent for up to five gameweeks, even if they bow out in the last 16. And if a team makes it all the way to the semi-finals, their players will miss out on a whopping six gameweeks, including the third/fourth-place playoff.
AFCON 2025: Premier League Players and Their Nations
Let's take a closer look at how Premier League players and their respective nations are faring in AFCON 2025:
- Algeria: With Ait-Nouri (MCI) in their ranks, Algeria has already qualified as group winners in Group E.
- Burkina Faso: Ouattara (BRE) and Traore (SUN) are in a strong position, needing just a draw or win against Sudan to progress from Group E. Even with a defeat, they could still qualify as one of the best third-place teams.
- Cameroon: Baleba (BHA) and Mbeumo (MUN) are in a similar situation, requiring a draw or win over Mozambique to advance from Group F. Cameroon is likely to qualify even with a defeat.
- DR Congo: Tuanzebe (BUR), Sadiki (SUN), Masuaku (SUN), and Wan-Bissaka (WHU) are in a tight race, needing a draw or win against Botswana to progress from Group D. DR Congo is also likely to qualify even if they lose.
- Egypt: Salah (LIV) and Marmoush (MCI) have already qualified as group winners in Group B.
- Ivory Coast: Guessand (AVL), Amad (MUN), Boly (NFO), Sangare (NFO), and Agbadou (WOL) are in a comfortable position, needing just a draw or win over Gabon to progress from Group F. Ivory Coast is likely to qualify even with a defeat.
- Mali: Bissouma (TOT) needs a win over Comoros to progress from Group A. Even a draw might be enough.
- Morocco: Mazraoui (MUN) and Talbi (SUN) are in a strong position, requiring a draw or win over Zambia to advance from Group A. Morocco is likely to qualify even with a defeat.
- Mozambique: Reinildo (SUN) can progress from Group F with a win over Cameroon. Mozambique could also finish as one of the best third-place teams even with a draw or loss.
- Nigeria: Onyeka (BRE), Bassey (FUL), Iwobi (FUL), and Chukwueze (FUL) have already qualified as group winners in Group C.
- Senegal: I Sarr (CRY), Gueye (EVE), Ndiaye (EVE), Diarra (SUN), P Sarr (TOT), and Diouf (WHU) need a draw or win against Benin to progress from Group D. Senegal is likely to qualify even with a defeat.
- South Africa: Foster (BUR) is in a tight spot, needing a draw or win against Zimbabwe to finish second in Group B. South Africa could even qualify in third place with a loss.
- Tunisia: Hannibal (BUR) is in a similar situation, requiring a draw or win against Tanzania to finish second in Group C. Tunisia could also qualify in third place with a loss.
- Zimbabwe: Chiwera (WOL) is currently fourth in Group C but can qualify in second place with a win over South Africa if Angola fails to better Zimbabwe's result. Zimbabwe could also qualify in third place.
As we await the conclusion of Matchday 3 on New Year's Eve, we'll provide an update on the revised odds for progress and estimated gameweek returns. Stay tuned for more insights and join the discussion!
Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Will any Premier League players return early from AFCON?
