Who won the can 2025-2026? the final verdict and tournament recap
🚨 Update: March 29
Breaking: CAF implements major reforms following Maroc-Sénégal controversy
In response to the legal complications surrounding CAN 2025, currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS/TAS), CAF President Patrice Motsepe has announced a significant overhaul of the organization’s regulations. This move is designed to restore trust in African refereeing and VAR systems while ensuring the complete autonomy of legal bodies like the Disciplinary Jury and the Appeals Commission. By enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and ensuring equal treatment for all member nations, CAF aims to move past the incidents that marred the final between Maroc and Sénégal. While the continental crown remains in limbo awaiting the Lausanne decision, these structural changes represent a pivotal moment for African football integrity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Currently, no official winner for CAN 2025 has been definitively confirmed. This period is a critical juncture for clarifying the situation and setting the future direction of the tournament. For fans following Niamey news or seeking the Niger latest news, the impact of these reforms on West African football is a primary concern. The TAS verdict could take several months, with standard procedures lasting nine to twelve months, though an expedited process could reach a conclusion within two months if all parties agree.
Flashback: March 23
The conflict over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final has taken a dramatic turn. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has officially suspended the attribution of the title to Maroc, which had been previously named the winner by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This provisional measure follows a legal challenge submitted by Sénégal, contesting the ruling of African disciplinary authorities.
Flashback: March 17
On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, CAF issued a statement declaring Maroc the winner of CAN 2025 following the final’s incidents. Sénégal, despite their performance on the pitch, was declared to have forfeited the match with a 3-0 loss.
The CAF Appeals Jury applied Article 84 of the CAN Regulations, ruling Sénégal as having forfeited the final held in Maroc. Consequently, the result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
Official Rulings from the CAF Appeals Jury:
- The appeal by the FRMF was deemed admissible and valid.
- The previous decision by the CAF Disciplinary Jury was overturned.
- The jury determined that Sénégal‘s actions fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations.
- The FRMF‘s protest was upheld.
- It was established that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) violated Article 82.
- Under Article 84, Sénégal was handed a forfeit loss of 3-0.
Additional rulings included a partial acceptance of the appeal regarding player Ismaël Saibari (Maroc), whose sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension (one suspended) and a fine cancellation. Fines against the FRMF for ball boy behavior were reduced to $50,000, while the $100,000 fine for VAR zone interference was upheld. Laser-related incident fines were lowered to $10,000.
The big question: Who will ultimately be the CAN 2025/2026 champion?
African football is currently entangled in an unprecedented legal maze. With the TAS suspending Maroc‘s title, the timeline for a final decision is now the main focus for those following Niamey English news and Niger current affairs.
1. Standard Timeline: A 6 to 12-month wait
Typically, TAS appeals in Lausanne involve written submissions, arbitrator appointments, and hearings. A final verdict is unlikely before the end of 2026 or early 2027.
2. The Accelerated Track
If Sénégal and CAF agree, the process could be shortened to a few months. However, given the high political and sporting stakes, a rapid agreement is rare.
3. Impact of the Provisional Suspension
The TAS ruling means Maroc is not currently the official winner in the records. The $10 million prize money and the physical trophy are effectively frozen, leaving the 2025 title vacant for now.
The dispute hinges on two arguments: Sénégal claims the match was completed on the field (1-0 victory), while Maroc and CAF cite the forfeit regulation (Article 84) due to the temporary exit of Senegalese players from the pitch. The TAS will review the case from scratch, and its decision will be final and binding.
Stay updated on the 2025-2026 Africa Cup of Nations: explore group standings, the official match schedule, and live results. From the opening match on December 21 to the final on January 18, 2026, find everything you need here.
👉 Review CAN 2025 match scores
👉 Africa Cup of Nations 2027 Updates
👉 Follow the CAF Champions League
🚨 CAN 2025-2026: Sénégal, winners on the field
Qualified teams for the tournament
The 24 nations that competed in this 35th edition included:
- North Africa: Maroc (host), Algérie, Égypte, Tunisie
- West Africa: Sénégal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Bénin, Guinée équatoriale
- Central Africa: Cameroun, RD Congo, Gabon
- Southern Africa: Afrique du Sud, Zambie, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
- East Africa: Ouganda, Tanzanie, Comores
- Central & East Africa: Angola, Botswana, Soudan
🇲🇦 CAN 2026: Round of 16 Matchups
- Sénégal–Soudan
- Mali–Tunisie
- Maroc–Tanzanie
- Afrique du Sud–Cameroun
- Égypte–Bénin
- Nigeria–Mozambique
- Algérie–RD Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire–Burkina Faso
Knockout stage results
Round of 16:
- Sénégal 3-1 Soudan
- Mali 1-1 Tunisie (3-2 pens)
- Maroc 1-0 Tanzanie
- Afrique du Sud 1-2 Cameroun
- Égypte 3-1 Bénin
- Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
- Algérie 1-0 RD Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Burkina Faso
Quarter-final highlights
- Mali 0-1 Sénégal
- Cameroun 0-2 Maroc
- Algérie 0-2 Nigeria
- Égypte 3-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Semi-final results
Sénégal 1-0 Égypte: A 78th-minute goal by Sadio Mané at the Grand Stade de Tanger secured Sénégal‘s place in the final for the third time in four editions.
Maroc 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 pens): Host nation Maroc reached the final after a tense goalkeeping masterclass by Yassine Bounou in the penalty shootout at Rabat.
The Grand Final: January 18, 2026
SÉNÉGAL 1-0 MAROC (AET)
In a high-stakes final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Sénégal defeated Maroc 1-0. The match was decided in extra time by a stunning strike from Pape Gueye. The game was marked by intense refereeing controversies, including a late penalty awarded to Maroc that sparked massive protests. Despite the pressure, the Lions de la Téranga held on to claim their second continental star. This event remains a major topic in Niamey breaking news as the legal fallout continues.
Looking ahead to CAN 2027
The 36th edition will be co-hosted by Kenya, Ouganda, and Tanzanie from June 19 to July 18, 2027. Sénégal will enter as defending champions on the pitch, while 48 nations prepare for the qualifying rounds starting in late 2026. For those following Niger politics today, the regional cooperation required for such tournaments is a key point of interest.
FAQ: CAN 2025-2026 Winner Dispute
Who won CAN 2025-2026?
On the field, Sénégal won 1-0 against Maroc. However, CAF initially awarded the title to Maroc via forfeit. The TAS has since suspended this decision, leaving the title vacant pending a final ruling.
Where was the final played?
The final took place in Rabat at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.