The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 is one of the most anticipated tournaments in African football. Here's your complete betting guide.
AFCON 2026 Tournament Overview
AFCON 2026 brings together the best of African football across 24 national teams. Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Egypt are among the favourites to lift the trophy. The tournament's expansion to 24 teams has increased the competition, and with more teams come more betting opportunities. As the tournament approaches, bettors in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are eagerly anticipating the action.
AFCON 2026 Favourites
| Team | To Win AFCON 2026 | Best Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 4.50 | Betway |
| Senegal | 5.00 | 1xBet |
| Nigeria | 6.00 | Bet9ja |
| Ivory Coast | 5.50 | SportyBet |
| Egypt | 7.00 | 1xBet |
| Cameroon | 8.00 | Betway |
A closer look at the favourites reveals that Morocco, with their strong squad and recent performances, are the bookmakers' top choice. However, Senegal, led by stars like Sadio Mané, cannot be underestimated. Nigeria, with their talented young squad, is also a force to be reckoned with. The odds reflect the competitive nature of the tournament, and bettors should consider the strengths and weaknesses of each team before placing their bets.
Group Stage Betting Strategy
Value Bets in Group Stages
The group stage offers excellent value on:
- Total Goals (Over/Under 2.5): Group stage games between continental powers often produce 3+ goals
- Both Teams to Score: AFCON group stage BTTS rates average 45% historically
- Correct Score markets: Less predictable group stage games offer inflated odds on 1-0, 1-1, 2-1 results
Bettors should also consider the head-to-head records and recent form of the teams. For example, matches between North African teams like Morocco and Egypt tend to be low-scoring, while West African teams like Nigeria and Senegal often produce high-scoring encounters.
African Teams Worth Backing at Each Bookmaker
- Nigeria Each Way to Win AFCON at 6.00 (Bet9ja) — Outstanding value if Super Eagles come through a comfortable group
- Morocco Clean Sheet in Group Stage at 1.85–2.00 — Morocco's defensive record at AFCON 2022 was extraordinary
- Senegal to Win Group at 1.60–1.75 — Strongest squad in West Africa
It's essential to shop around for the best odds, as bookmakers like Betway, 1xBet, and SportyBet often offer competitive prices. Bettors in Ghana, for instance, can take advantage of Betway's generous odds on Ghana to win their group.
Live Betting AFCON Tips
Live in-play AFCON betting often offers the best value in the second half of close group stage matches, when the trailing team pushes forward and creates gaps.
Top live betting bookmakers for AFCON: 1xBet, Betway, SportyBet (all offer real-time markets on all AFCON matches).
| Bookmaker | Live Betting Features | Odds Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | Extensive market range, fast odds updates | Competitive |
| Betway | User-friendly interface, high-quality streaming | Excellent |
| SportyBet | Innovative bet builder, generous accumulator boosts | Good |
AFCON 2026 — Full Tournament Guide
Tournament Format and Dates
AFCON 2026 features 24 teams divided into 6 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group plus the 4 best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 16. The tournament concludes with a final in the host country.
Historical Performance Analysis — Picking Winners
In the last 10 AFCON tournaments, the winner has come from just 4 nations: Egypt (4 titles), Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. Morocco have never won AFCON despite consistently fielding competitive squads — their best finish was runners-up. This history gives context to their WC2026 favourite odds.
Group Stage Value Betting Strategy
| Strategy | Market | Expected Value |
|---|---|---|
| North Africa vs West Africa | North Africa Win | 5% positive EV on average |
| East Africa vs any opponent | Under 2.5 Total Goals | 8% positive EV |
| AFCON debutant in group | Debutant to lose 2+ goals | 12% positive EV |
| Host nation in opener | Host First Goal < 25 mins | 7% positive EV |
Bettors should also consider the impact of the host nation on the tournament. Teams like South Africa, who have hosted the tournament before, tend to perform well in front of their home crowd.
Player Markets — AFCON 2026 Golden Boot
| Player | Country | Odds to Top Scorer | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sadio Mané | Senegal | 8.00 | 1xBet |
| Victor Osimhen | Nigeria | 7.00 | Bet9ja |
| Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | 10.00 | Betway |
| Sébastien Haller | Ivory Coast | 9.00 | 1xBet |
| Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | 14.00 | 1xBet |
The Golden Boot market is always competitive, and bettors should consider the team's overall chances of success, as well as the player's individual form.
Recommended Live Betting Markets — AFCON
African Cup of Nations games are tactically distinct from European football — they tend to be lower scoring in the first half with more action in the second half as fatigue sets in. Top live betting markets:
- Next Goal After 60 Minutes — most AFCON matches see goals in the 60th–90th minute window
- Over 1.5 Total Goals After 0-0 at HT — historically 45% of AFCON 0-0 HT games end with 2+ goals
- Penalty Kick in Match — AFCON knockout games have a 22% penalty rate (higher than European football)
Bettors in countries like Tanzania and Uganda can take advantage of these markets, and with the help of bookmakers like Hollywoodbets and 22Bet, they can enjoy a wide range of betting options.
FAQ
Q: Where is AFCON 2026 being held?
A: The African Cup of Nations 2026 host country will be announced by CAF in the lead-up to the tournament.
Q: Who are the favourites to win AFCON 2026?
A: Current tournament favourites are Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt.
Q: Which bookmaker has the best AFCON 2026 odds?
A: For outright winner markets, 1xBet and Betway offer the most competitive prices.
Q: How can I watch AFCON 2026 matches live?
A: Fans can watch AFCON 2026 matches live on various sports channels, including SuperSport in South Africa and other African countries.