The Premier League teams set to be most impacted by AFCON

The Africa Cup of Nations is on the horizon, as the continent’s best teams battle it out for success this winter.

AFCON 2025 returns to its mid-season slot, with the opening fixture on December 21st and final scheduled for January 18th 2026. The Premier League is home to some of African football’s finest talent, and several stars are set to depart to represent their nations this winter.

Mohamed Salah is arguably the most high-profile Premier League name set to compete at AFCON, as the reigning PFA Player of the Year leaves Liverpool to lead Egypt’s challenge.

Though a huge miss, Salah is Liverpool’s only representative. That pales in comparison to some Premier League clubs who are set to see their squads decimated by the tournament.

Sunderland are set to be worst impacted of all Premier League teams. The high-flying Black Cats are likely to have seven players at the tournament, which could be a speed-bump in their superb start to the campaign.

Winless Wolves, meanwhile, could have four representatives. Those exits will give new manager Rob Edwards a selection headache, as he looks to lead the club out of the relegation places.

Manchester United could also be hit hard. Ruben Amorim has three African players in his squad, including £72m summer signing Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian is the club’s leading scorer this season with six goals in all competitions.

Premier League clubs with the most players set for AFCON 2025

Sunderland – 7 (Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traoré)
Wolves – 4 (Marshall Munetsi, Emmanuel Agbadou, Tolu Arokodare, Jackson Tchatchoua)
Crystal Palace – 4 (Ismaila Sarr, Cheick Doucouré, Chadi Riad, Christantus Uche)
Nottingham Forest – 4 (Willy Boly, Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, Taiwo Awoniyi)
Manchester United – 3 (Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui)
Fulham – 3 (Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze)

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