Lessons From the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations

January 2026

The 2025-26 Africa Cup of Nations delivered high drama, tactical evolution, and strategic takeaways for teams, coaches, and continental football stakeholders. Senegal secured the title with a 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco in a final marked by controversy and resilience, underlining key insights into African football’s current state and future direction.

Mental Strength and Game Management Matter
Senegal’s triumph highlighted the importance of composure under pressure. Facing a late controversial penalty decision and a temporary walk-off in protest, they showed discipline by returning and winning in extra time. Leadership and mental strength proved decisive in high-stakes moments.
Competitive Parity Across the Continent
The tournament reinforced that there are no easy matchesat AFCON. Traditional powerhouses remain strong, but several emerging sides have narrowed the quality gap, demanding tactical intelligence and physical preparedness from all teams. This trend bodes well for both continental competition and African teams’ performances on the global stage.
Officiating and Tournament Integrity
Controversies in officiating and match management, especially in the final, raised questions about tournament governance and consistency. Ensuring transparent and robust officiating processes is essential for credibility and long-term growth.
Preparation for the World Stage
AFCON acted as a competitive barometer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving teams crucial match experience and revealing tactical trends relevant for global competition. African squads will need to refine strategic planning and squad depth as they transition from continental to global tournaments.
Tactical Discipline and Squad Structure
Defensive solidity, efficient transitions, and leadership at key moments were defining features of deep tournament runs. Teams that balanced structure with attacking intent tended to progress further, highlighting the value of balanced tactical frameworks.

AFCON 2026 was more than a title race. It was a strategic showcase of rising standards, competitive depth, and moments that will shape African football narratives in the World Cup cycle and beyond.