Who will be the final winner of CAN 2025-2026?

The sports landscape in West Africa is currently focused on the legal aftermath of the continental showpiece. Beyond the matches, the security Sahel region and neighboring nations are closely watching how football governance evolves during this period of transition.

Breaking news: CAF implements structural changes following Morocco-Senegal conflict

In response to the complex legal standoff surrounding CAN 2025, which is currently being reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), CAF President Patrice Motsepe has signaled a massive overhaul of the organization’s regulations. This move is designed to rebuild trust in African officiating and the VAR system, ensuring the total autonomy of legal bodies like the Disciplinary Board and the Appeals Committee. By adopting a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and ensuring equal treatment for all member associations, CAF aims to move past the controversies of the Maroc versus Sénégal final. While the continental crown remains in legal limbo in Lausanne, these reforms represent a pivotal moment for the integrity of the game ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As of now, a formal declaration regarding the winner of CAN 2025 has not been finalized. This period is seen as a vital window to clarify the rules and set the stage for future editions of the tournament.

The CAS verdict could take several months to be delivered. Standard arbitration for such disputes typically lasts between nine and twelve months, though an expedited process could see a resolution within approximately eight weeks if all parties agree.

Chronology of the dispute

Update: The legal battle over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has taken a decisive turn. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued a provisional suspension on the title previously awarded to Maroc by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This stay of execution follows a formal appeal by Sénégal, challenging the rulings of African disciplinary bodies.

Previously, CAF had issued a statement in March 2026 naming Maroc the winner following incidents during the final match. In that initial ruling, Sénégal was stripped of its on-field performance and handed a 3-0 forfeit defeat.

Initial CAF Appeals Board rulings included:

• The appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was considered valid and well-founded.
• The prior Disciplinary Board decision was overturned.
• The behavior of the Sénégal squad was found to violate Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations.
• The result was officially recorded as a 3-0 win for Maroc.
• Sanctions against player Ismael Saibari were adjusted to a two-match ban (one suspended), and his $100,000 fine was dismissed.
• Fines for the FRMF regarding ball boys and laser incidents were reduced to $50,000 and $10,000, respectively.

The current status of the CAN 2025-2026 champion

This situation has placed African football in an unprecedented legal stalemate. With the CAS suspension in place, the timeline for a final decision is now the primary concern for fans following Sahel news English updates.

1. Standard Timeline: 6 to 12 months
Usually, a CAS appeal in Lausanne involves a lengthy exchange of written briefs, the selection of arbitrators, and a full hearing. A final verdict is unlikely before the end of 2026.

2. The Accelerated Track
If Sénégal and CAF reach an agreement, they could fast-track the proceedings. However, given the political Sahel implications and high stakes, a rapid consensus is rare.

3. Impact of the Provisional Measure
The current suspension means:

• Maroc is not yet the official record-holder.
• The $10 million prize money and the physical trophy are effectively frozen.
• The 2025 tournament history remains technically vacant until the final judgment.

The core of the conflict rests on two points: Sénégal argues the match was completed on the pitch (1-0 victory), while Maroc and CAF cite Article 84, claiming the temporary exit of the Senegalese players constituted a definitive forfeit.

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Keep up with the latest West Africa Sahel news regarding the Africa Cup of Nations 2025-2026. From the initial draw to the dramatic final on January 18, 2026, stay informed on every match result and group standing.

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Qualified nations for the tournament

The 24 countries that competed in this 35th edition included:

• North Africa: Maroc, 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
• Other regions: Angola, Botswana, Soudan

Knockout stage results

• 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 summary

Sénégal vs Égypte (1-0)

At the Grand Stade de Tanger, Sadio Mané secured a spot in the final for the Lions of the Teranga with a goal in the 78th minute. This victory allowed Sénégal to reach their fourth continental final in history.

Maroc vs Nigeria (0-0, 4-2 pens)

The host nation, Maroc, advanced to the final after a scoreless 120 minutes at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving two penalties to send the Atlas Lions to their first final in over two decades.

The grand final: Sénégal vs Maroc

In a high-tension clash in Rabat, Sénégal emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline after extra time. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal with a stunning strike into the top corner. The match was not without humanitarian Sahel spirit but was marred by officiating debates, including a late penalty controversy that tested the composure of both teams. For now, Sénégal celebrates its second star on the pitch, despite the ongoing legal review.

Looking ahead to CAN 2027

The 36th edition of the tournament will be a joint venture hosted by Kenya, Ouganda, and Tanzanie from June 19 to July 18, 2027. Preliminary rounds are already being scheduled for teams like Djibouti, Soudan du Sud, and Burundi. Sahel Vision will continue to provide insights into these regional developments.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Who won CAN 2025-2026?

On the field, Sénégal defeated Maroc 1-0 in the final. However, the official title is currently suspended by the CAS following a CAF ruling that had briefly awarded it to Maroc.

Where was the final held?

The match took place at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, Maroc.

What is the status of the legal case?

The CAS has put the final decision on hold. A definitive ruling is expected within 6 to 12 months, which will determine the permanent winner of the 2025 trophy.