Morocco enters as the narrow market leader for AFCON 2027 at 42% implied probability thanks to its status as defending champions following the controversial 2025 final ruling and consistent recent results, including strong World Cup showings and early qualifier wins over Gabon. Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria sit close behind in trader pricing because of their deep squads, established attacking options like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, and proven continental pedigree. The co-hosting by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in East Africa adds travel and adaptation variables, while the ongoing qualifiers—with top-two advancement from most groups—leave room for momentum shifts through injuries, form dips, or upsets before the June 2027 kickoff. This depth across multiple nations keeps the outright market tightly contested rather than dominated by one side.