Sunderland hit hardest... 45 Premier League players ruled out due to AFCON! | OneFootball

Sunderland, the club most affected by AFCON 2025

AFCON 2025 - PL / @x.com/WhoScored

We are just weeks away from the kickoff of Africa’s biggest football event: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

This 35th edition will take place in Morocco, from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with 24 national teams competing across six groups.

As with every edition, several European clubs, especially in England, will be heavily impacted by the tournament. In the Premier League, a significant number of players will miss multiple matches due to their participation in AFCON 2025.

According to estimates, Sunderland and Wolverhampton are expected to be the hardest hit. The newly promoted club could be without nine players, while Wolves are set to lose five key men.

Sunderland, the club most affected by AFCON 2025

According to British outlet "Givemesport", no fewer than 45 Premier League players could be absent during the tournament, a figure that highlights the considerable impact AFCON 2025 will have on English football.