Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 edition of AFCON will proceed as scheduled in Uganda, Kenya , and Tanzania. However, the next edition, originally planned for 2029, will now take place in 2028. The subsequent AFCON will be held in 2032.

This adjustment allows room for the inaugural African Nations League to be staged in 2029. Motsepe stated that the competition will include all 54 CAF member associations, grouped into four geographical zones. Matches are expected to be played in September and October, with the final phase held in November.

“What is new is that … in Africa there’s going to be a competition every year where the best African players who play in Europe and worldwide will be with us on the continent,” Motsepe said.

CAF has not yet clarified whether the African Nations League will be held annually or every two years.

The opening fixture of the 2025 AFCON took place on Sunday, December 21, between host nation Morocco and Comoros in front of a sold-out crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. 

The Atlas Lions, one of the favourites to win the competition, triumphed with a 2-0 victory over their East African counterpart.

All goals were scored in the second half. Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, who plays for Greek side Olympiacos, added a second goal in the 74th minute, just nine minutes after entering the field.

The tournament marks the 35th edition of AFCON and features 24 teams from across Africa. It is the second time Morocco is hosting the competition, the first being in 1988. 

The final is scheduled for January 18, 2026.

Since the inception of the AFCON in 1957, 15 different countries have won the tournament. The 2025 edition brings together 24 teams, half of which have previously lifted the AFCON trophy and the other half have never tasted glory. 

These 12 past champions represent some of the established powerhouses of African football, including record seven-time winners Egypt, defending champions Ivory Coast, three-time winners Nigeria , and five-time champions Cameroon.

Past champions

Grouped across all six pools, these teams bring varying degrees of historical success:

Group A:  Morocco (hosts) - Won the title in 1976.   Zambia - Won the title in 2012.

Group B:  Egypt - Record seven-time champions, winning titles including 1957, 1959, and completing a hat-trick between 2006 and 2010. South Africa - Won on home soil in 1996.

Group C:  Nigeria - Three-time champions, winning titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Tunisia - Won the title in 2004.

Group D:   Senegal - Champions of AFCON 2021. DR Congo - Two-time winners, having won the competition in 1968 (as Congo (Kinshasa)) and 1974 (as Zaire).

Group E:  Algeria - Two-time champions, winning in 1990 and 2019. Sudan - Won the title in 1970.

Group F: Cote d'Ivoire - The defending champions and three-time winners, with victories in 1992, 2015, and 2023. Cameroon - Five-time champions, winning titles including 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017 .

Non-winning nations

The tournament also includes 12 nations that have never claimed the title. These teams, which are also spread across all six groups, include Mali, Burkina Faso, and Uganda , who have each reached the final once in the past but fell short. 

For others like Comoros, Botswana, and Mozambique, reaching the knockout stages would itself mark a milestone.

Full list of non-winners and their groups: 

Group A: - Mali (finalist in 1972), Comoros

Group B: - Angola , Zimbabwe

Group C: - Uganda (finalist in 1978), Tanzania

Group D: Benin , Botswana

Group E:   Burkina Faso (finalist in 1978), Equatorial Guinea

Group F: Gabon , Mozambique

With the first kickoff just days away, the question remains whether AFCON 2025 will see one of the 12 non-winning nations break new ground or whether a past champion will rise again.

With every group featuring a mix of experience and ambition, the potential for an upset is present, but so is the likelihood of history asserting itself once more.

This year’s tournament introduces a number of firsts. It will be played across nine venues in six cities, making it the largest venue spread in AFCON history . 

The schedule was pushed from its original June–July window to avoid clashing with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup. As a result, AFCON will, for the first time, take place during the Christmas and New Year period.

The competition is expected to serve as a test event for Morocco’s preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Portugal and Spain. 

With seven of Africa’s confirmed 2026 World Cup teams participating, AFCON 2025 will act as a key preparatory platform.

Tournament schedule and groupings

AFCON begins on 21 December and concludes on 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. ​​Teams will be grouped as follows:

Key stages include group matches from 21–31 December, followed by the knockout rounds beginning 3 January.

Teams to watch

Morocco, seeking a first title since 1976, is banking on its golden generation. Head coach Walid Regragui hopes Achraf Hakimi will be available to lead the squad.

Nigeria , finalists in the last edition, aim to reclaim glory with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman taking over leadership after former captain William Troost-Ekong retired. The Super Eagles, despite failing to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, would look to rewrite their fortunes.

Egypt , the record seven-time champions, are led by Mohamed Salah, who would like to put the recent controversies and his poor form at club side Liverpool behind him as he turns up to the tournament to continue the chase for his first AFCON title. Salah will be joined by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as they look to reclaim the title last won in 2010.

Côte d’Ivoire, now under the permanent leadership of Emerse Faé, return with confidence following their surprise 2023 title win. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is expected to play a key role.

Senegal, champions in 2021, has stalwarts Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly still representing and will look to win their second trophy to mark the end of a successful golden generation for the side.

Cameroon enters amid controversy after omitting Vincent Aboubakar and André Onana. New coach David Pagou will rely on Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo to drive the campaign.

Other contenders include Algeria, Tunisia, and South Africa, which finished third in the previous edition.

Three former champions— Ghana , Ethiopia, and Congo (Brazzaville)—failed to qualify for this tournament.

This case revolved around a $2.26 million payment from Blatter to Platini in 2011—supposedly for consultancy work done years earlier. The scandal cost Platini his shot at FIFA’s top job in 2016.

On March 16, 2025, Vargas was seen skillfully controlling the ball during a training session at the team's Long Island base.

"I never let my injury stop me. Soccer has always been my passion, and I want to prove that nothing is impossible," Vargas shared with the AFP after a recent practice session.

The 41-year-old Venezuelan migrant has faced immense challenges, including a perilous journey from his home country to the U.S. But despite these hardships, his passion for the game and his determination to succeed remain unwavering.

This is the third time since 2017 that Pakistan has been banned from world football. FIFA says the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) must agree to a new constitution that ensures fair and democratic elections.

Until they do, the suspension will remain .

Pakistan’s football body has been in crisis for years. In 2021, FIFA banned Pakistan after a group of local officials took control of the PFF headquarters from FIFA’s appointed committee.

That ban was lifted in 2022 when FIFA confirmed its officials were back in charge.

Pakistan was also banned in 2017 for similar reasons, making this another setback for the country’s football.

Until the PFF meets FIFA’s demands, Pakistan’s teams will not be allowed to play in any international tournaments.

The new logo celebrates African heritage and unity. It draws inspiration from Moroccan "zellij," a traditional mosaic art form.

According to CAF , the design blends football with African culture, symbolising creativity, precision, and passion.

Each part of the logo reflects the connection between tradition and modernity. The shapes and patterns highlight the unity of African nations, players, and fans. The vibrant colours—gold, green, red, and blue—represent achievement, unity, resilience, and potential.

CAF described the logo as a symbol of African craftsmanship and the energy of football. It honours the continent’s cultural legacy while showcasing the dynamism of the sport.

The 2025 AFCON will not only celebrate football but also shine a light on Africa's creativity and culture, bringing fans together to enjoy the spirit of the game.

Colombia is making significant strides in its energy and security sectors. The nation is working to expedite the production timeline for its offshore gas discovery at the Sirius-2 well, which could potentially triple its gas reserves, significantly impacting its energy landscape. According to World Oil , Mines and Energy Minister Andrés Camacho is proactively collaborating with various government agencies to streamline the permitting process, aiming for initial production sooner than the anticipated 2029. This urgency arises as Colombia faces a projected natural gas shortfall, with demand surpassing supply by 5% in 2024 and escalating to 17% by 2026. Despite this challenging scenario, Camacho reassures that immediate substantial imports are not necessary, suggesting a controlled management of energy resources in the interim.

Solar energy investments

In parallel to these developments, Colombia is poised to invest US$35 million in solar energy projects within the Caribbean region. This initiative reflects the country's commitment to enhancing its renewable energy portfolio, further diversifying its energy mix and contributing to a sustainable future, BN Americas reports.

Beach soccer 2024

On an international stage, the sporting world witnessed thrilling competition at the Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup 2024, where Spain narrowly defeated the USA with a score of 8-7 after extra time. Beachsoccer reports that Colombia also showcased its prowess by defeating Mexico 5-4, with notable performances from Esleider and Wilmar. Upcoming matches promise further excitement, with the USA set to clash against Colombia while Mexico takes on Spain.

Drug trafficking arrests

In matters of security, Colombian authorities have made a significant breakthrough by arresting Christopher Neil, a suspected British drug trafficker with links to the Clan del Golfo cartel. His alleged role in facilitating cocaine trafficking from Colombia to the UK highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug-related crimes. The operation that led to his capture, enhanced by drone surveillance techniques, signifies the evolving tactics in drug enforcement. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has underscored the importance of this arrest, which involves serious charges including conspiracy to traffic cocaine and money laundering, Evrimagaci reports. This case reflects the heightened awareness and the adaptive strategies that Colombian officials are deploying to dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking networks.

Air travel connectivity

Lastly, the expansion of Tulum International Airport marks a significant milestone in connectivity, as new flights from Avianca Airlines (Colombia) and Discover Airlines (Germany) enhance international travel. Avianca’s inaugural flight from Bogotá marked a new chapter in the airport's operations, which now includes its first non-North American destination, Mexiconewsdaily reports. Discover Airlines’ new route from Frankfurt, accommodating 199 passengers, further bolsters Tulum's appeal as a travel and business hub. With the airport exceeding its first-year goal of welcoming over 1 million passengers, the local government, led by Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama, is optimistic about the potential for tourism growth and international relations. 

Marcelo Bielsa, head coach of the Uruguay national team, is currently navigating internal tensions within the squad. Key players such as Luis Suárez and Agustín Canobbio have voiced criticism regarding the team's atmosphere and management style. Following a tense meeting with significant players and officials, Bielsa convened a second discussion aimed at addressing issues concerning new rules and team dynamics ahead of their upcoming match against Peru. Initial reports according to Footboom indicated that these discussions yielded a positive reception, with players articulating their discomfort while simultaneously expressing support for Bielsa.

Reducing carbon emissions

In infrastructure developments, the Grupo Vía Central consortium has successfully acquired an extra $110 million dedicated to the Central Railway project in Uruguay. IRJ reports that funding sources for this latest phase include $65 million from Allianz Capital Partners and $45 million from CAF Asset Management, complementing earlier rounds of financing amounting to $858 million in 2019, $75 million in 2020, and $250 million in 2022. The project's environmental objective includes a reduction of 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, aligning with NGE's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development. Additionally, the initiative has attracted financial backing from the Inter-American Development Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, with Astris Finance serving as the principal financial advisor.

Referendum

On the political landscape, Uruguay is poised to hold a referendum later this month regarding a proposal to lower the retirement age from 65 to 60. This proposed reform has sparked investor anxieties, primarily surrounding potential financial instability. Supported by left-wing unions, this shift seeks to dismantle the private pension model established in 1996 and transition to a public system, a change that poses risks of increasing state debt and worsening pension deficits, estimated to reach $1 billion annually, reports The Straits Times .

Paranair resumes flights

Paranair has launched a direct route between Montevideo and Salto, restoring this connection after more than twenty years. The inaugural flight, attended by airline representatives and officials, landed at Salto International Airport in under 45 minutes. Using modern CRJ-200 aircraft with a capacity of 50 passengers, the route offers two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, significantly enhancing connectivity between the capital and the coast, Aviacion News reports.

Copa América qualifiers

Finally, former Ecuador national team coach Jorge Célico has expressed firm belief that Ecuador possesses a competitive advantage over Paraguay and Uruguay in the ongoing qualifying phase for the Copa América. He encourages the team to take a proactive stance during matches and asserts that the quality of players in Ecuador presents a significant edge. According to Footboom , Célico critiques former coaching decisions, citing inconsistencies in player selection and disciplinary actions, particularly regarding the management of player misconduct. He stresses the importance of respecting the national jersey and insists on clearer communication from coaches regarding their tactical decisions.

Qatar hosted the 21st meeting of the GCC's Standing Committee for the Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats in Doha. Key discussions included updates to the 2003 Convention aimed at preserving ecosystems and protecting threatened species, emphasising cross-border conservation and habitat protection. The committee also explored updates to environmental frameworks, such as falconry laws and biodiversity measures. Kuwait's proposal to host Gulf Wildlife Day on December 30 was approved. MEMO reports that the committee reviewed strategic plans and aligned regional policies with international agreements like CITES. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Committee of Undersecretaries for future ministerial discussions. Plans for the first Gulf Conference on Wildlife and training programs were also discussed.

Gas supply for Kuwait

Kuwait's state oil company has signed a 15-year agreement with QatarEnergy for the supply of three million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually. The deal, which follows a similar agreement in 2020, aims to provide a cleaner energy source and supports Kuwait’s energy transition strategy. According to Inquirer.net LNG deliveries to Kuwait’s Al-Zour refinery are set to begin in 2025. This partnership aligns with Kuwait's sustainability goals and comes as the country addresses rising electricity consumption due to summer heat. Qatar, a major global LNG producer, is also expanding its output capacity significantly before 2030.

Tickets for the FIFA World Cup

Tickets for Qatar's first game in the final qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are now available, as announced by the Qatar Football Association (QFA). Al Annabi will face the United Arab Emirates on September 5, 2024, at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The match kicks off at 7 PM Doha time. The Peninsula highlights Qatar is in Group A, competing against Iran, Uzbekistan, UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in North America. Tickets can be purchased via the QFA website.

Hamas ditches cease-fire talks

Hamas did not attend cease-fire and hostage release talks in Qatar on Thursday, citing new Israeli conditions that it argues extend the war. Both sides are accusing each other of delaying negotiations amid a rising death toll in Gaza, which has surpassed 40,000. U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators described the talks as a final effort to end hostilities, particularly in light of tensions following the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran. According to Aljazeera , as negotiations stalled, Hamas claimed Israel's added demands could prolong the conflict, while Israel accused Hamas of obstructing the return of hostages. The situation remains critical, with analysts suggesting that a cease-fire is essential to prevent regional escalation.

Dependence on Iran for Gaza truce

Qatar's foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, characterised Iran as a responsible actor capable of facilitating a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran. Big News Network reports Qatar values its strategic relations with Iran and seeks to enhance cooperation. Pezeshkian commended Qatar’s ceasefire efforts and criticised those who remain silent on Israeli actions against Palestinians. Since October 2023, over 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in the ongoing conflict.

150 Ghana police officers have been trained to protect mining company assets, with a focus on professionalism and ethical conduct. The training, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, aimed to improve service delivery and cooperation between police and mining companies. Facilitators covered topics such as the Minerals and Mining Act, ethical considerations, and security threats, while urging cooperation between internal and external security personnel. Ghana Business News reports that the Inspector General of Police expressed gratitude for the training and emphasised the importance of using the knowledge and skills acquired to maintain order in the areas of operation.

Ghana-Zimbabwe ties

Zimbabwe and Ghana have strengthened bilateral ties through a study visit on diaspora engagement. The visit, supported by the International Organization for Migration, aimed to enhance collaboration and capacity in working on diaspora engagement. Key officials from Zimbabwe visited Ghana for high-level meetings with Ghanaian counterparts and to learn about Ghana's successful diaspora engagement initiatives. The visit highlighted the potential for Zimbabwe to enhance its National Diaspora Policy based on Ghana's successful models. Chronicle reports that this initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in achieving national development goals.

Ghana-France cooperation

Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reaffirmed commitment to expand cooperation with France in renewable energies and technological innovation at the France National Day celebration. He highlighted the enduring relevance of France's values of freedom, equality, and fraternity and commended the French people for their resilience and unity. Ghana also anticipates promotion to full-time member status within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). France's Ambassador emphasized the significant collaborations across various sectors and expressed strong support for Ghana's application for full membership in the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Ghanaian Times reports.

Football

Nico Williams, a Spanish player with Ghanaian roots, won the Euros, equaling Marcel Desailly's record. According to GhanaWeb , he was named Man of the Match after scoring in the final. Spain won the championship, their fourth title.

Nationwide strike

10 labour unions in Ghana declared a nationwide strike in protest of the sale of 60% of SSNIT shares in four hotels. The decision follows Organised Labour’s directive, and the TUC Secretary-General urged workers to stay away until the sale is cancelled. SSNIT had received approval for the sale, but one potential buyer has withdrawn their bid. The SSNIT Board has since announced the termination of the sale process, Ghanaian Times reports.

Leading the pack is the unbeatable Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at the age of 39, has clinched the title of the highest-paid athlete for the fourth time in his career. Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia has proven to be a lucrative decision, with an estimated total income of $260 million, including endorsements.

Following closely is Jon Rahm, the Spanish golf sensation, who made a seismic shift by joining the LIV Golf League. His decision was rewarded with an estimated annual earning of $218 million, marking the highest total ever by a golfer and securing him the second spot on the list.

The realm of football continues to dominate the charts with Lionel who has benefited from the Middle Eastern investment in sports, earning $135 million over the last 12 months.

Basketball, too, has its share of financial superstars, with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo earning spots 4 and 5 respectively in the top five. Thanks to their on-court prowess and off-court endorsements Lebron James earns a whopping $ 128.2 million while Giannis earns $ 111 million.

According to Forbes , the list of 2024's highest-paid athletes reflects the changing landscape of sports economics. With Middle Eastern money continuing to flow into sports, the earnings from on-field performances have seen a significant increase.

This year also marks a shift in the demographics of top earners, with a notable presence of athletes under the age of 30.

Operating income has also seen a remarkable 57% increase, highlighting the lucrative nature of the sport. Here are the top 5 most valuable football teams in the world:

Real Madrid

Topping the list for the third year running is Spain's Real Madrid, valued at an impressive $6.6 billion. This football club is a power that has conquered the pitch time and again. With 14 international titles since 2014, including five Champions League trophies, Real Madrid's financial might is matched only by its on-field success.

Manchester United

Following closely in second place is Manchester United, with a valuation of $6.55 billion. The English club, known for its rich history and global fanbase, recently saw a significant investment by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake at an enterprise value of $6.5 billion.

Barcelona FC

Barcelona FC, one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, places third with a value of $5.6 billion. Barcelona F, however, faced challenges in holding onto their La Liga crown for the 2023/24 season, as they contended with a revitalized Real Madrid squad that proved to be a formidable opponent.

Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC, affectionately known as the Reds, is one of the most storied and successful football clubs in the world. Based in Liverpool, England, the club competes in the English Premier League, the top tier of English football. Known for their passionate fanbase and the iconic Anfield stadium, Liverpool is valued at $5.37 billion and comes fourth on the most valuable football teams' list.

Manchester City

Manchester City is not left out as it comes fifth at a value of $5.1 billion. It also competes in the English Premier League. The club has been active in the transfer market and is making strategic moves ahead of the upcoming season.

According to the latest figures released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 10 million people have been displaced within war-torn Sudan, with 7.26 million fleeing their homes since the war broke out in April 2023. Sudan is facing the world's worst displacement crisis, with the UN warning of the risk of famine.

Saudi aid group launches health projects to support hospitals

Saudi aid group KSrelief inaugurated three health projects in Port Sudan on the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan to provide medical equipment to hospitals. The projects aim to benefit over 200,000 individuals and were announced in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Sudan Ali bin Hassan Jafar, as reported by Arab News .

Child rights violations

The United Nations has added Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to a blacklist for harming children in war, citing a “shocking” 21% increase in grave violations against children in 2023. The report also highlighted a 480% increase in grave violations against children in Sudan. “In 2023, violence against children in armed conflict reached extreme levels, with a shocking 21% increase in grave violations,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The annual report verified 30,705 “grave violations” committed last year in various conflict zones, including the war in Gaza.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Sudan defeated South Sudan 3-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, claiming the top spot in Group B. Walieldin Khidir, Yasir Mozamil Mohamed, and Mohamed Abdel Raman scored the goals for Sudan. South Sudan remains at the bottom of the table.

ICC seeks evidence of war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's civil war. In a video statement, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that people in Sudan are being attacked and killed due to the colour of their skin. The UN has warned of a strong possibility of genocide in Darfur, with reports of organised and systematic attacks on civilians. The situation is described by Khan as a "profound attack on human dignity." He added, "I believe based upon the information that we are receiving that we are on the precipice of something even worse.”

The inaugural competition was hosted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Uruguay clinched their first of fifteen titles, marking the beginning of a historic rivalry between the two Latin nations as they share the top spot as record holders.

Over the years, Copa América has been hosted 47 times, with its 48th edition scheduled to take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14. The United States made history by becoming the first non-South American country to host the event during its centennial edition in 2016.

As the defending champions, the Albiceleste, led by Lionel Messi, are eager to add another title to their illustrious history. Messi, fresh off a historic World Cup victory in Qatar, aims to solidify his legacy as the greatest Argentine footballer, surpassing even the great Diego Maradona. On the other hand, Brazil, with hopes pinned on early Balon d'Or favourite Vinicius Junior, is also vying for glory in 2024.

Including record holders, Argentina and Uruguay, only eight nations have lifted the coveted trophy in the competition's 108-year history.

Here is a look at all the winners of Copa América since its inception:

As the tournament prepares to return to the United States, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate whether; Messi's magic will continue to dazzle, Brazil's samba flair will reclaim the top spot, or any of the familiar foes will look to spoil the party.

Returning to the United States for the second time, the tournament will feature matches across various cities, culminating in a grand finale at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This year's competition includes 16 teams, ten from CONMEBOL and six from CONCACAF, competing in four groups .

Defending champions and group stages

Argentina, the current world champions and defending champions of the Copa América who secured their record 15th title to go level with Uruguay in Brazil in 2021, will aim to continue their success. They are placed in Group A alongside Peru, Chile, and Canada. Group A's matches, including the opening clash between Argentina and Canada, will span from June 20 to 29 across six U.S. cities.

Group B features Mexico, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Jamaica, with their matches scheduled from June 22 to 30. Group C includes the host nation, the United States, alongside Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia, playing from June 23 to July 1. Group D comprises Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, and Costa Rica, with matches taking place from June 24 to July 2.

Knockout stages and path to glory

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, beginning with the quarter-finals. The knockout stage pairings are set as follows: the winner of Group A will face the runner-up of Group B, and the winner of Group B will play the runner-up of Group A. The winner of Group C will compete against the runner-up of Group D, and the winner of Group D will face the runner-up of Group C.

Victorious teams from the quarter-finals will move on to the semi-finals, leading to the highly anticipated final match on July 14 where the winner will eventually be crowned champion of the  2024 Copa América at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The 2024 competition serves as a warm-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , which the United States, Canada, and Mexico are jointly hosting.

What they said

Namibia coach Collin Benjamin said playing games away from home will affect the team's chances of qualifying for the World Cups. "We have to get all stakeholders within the government, the private sector, everybody involved, everybody that says they've got soccer in their heart because there is no way you're going to qualify for the World Cup playing 10 matches away. It's not possible until we fix the stadiums," he was quoted as saying.

The AFCON began in February 1957 with only three African countries, Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Egypt emerged as the first title winner in this tournament.

According to CAF , South Africa was the fourth invited country for the first tournament but their invitation was later withdrawn as a result of the country’s apartheid laws at the time.

The Pharaohs defeated Sudan’s team with a 2-1 win. Raafat Attia opened the scoring in the Semi-final game. The team later defeated Ethiopia in a 4-0 win to take home the trophy.

The North African country continued to win the next AFCON tournament in 1959.

From 3 participating countries, the tournament was expanded to include 8 teams in 1968, 12 teams in 1992, 16 in 1996, and 24, which has remained the standard since 2019.

At the start, AFCON was organised randomly but eventually became a biennial, with organisers holding a tournament every other year.

It is organised in odd years to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup held in even years.

The 2023 tournament will see 15 top-ranked African teams participating. AFCON is the most prestigious football (soccer) competition in Africa. It is organised by Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).

At this point, all four countries had agreed and adopted statutes that were drafted during the first meeting, according to CAF .

From this point, the first president of the confederation, Abdel Aziz Abdallah Salem of Egypt was unanimously appointed, leading to the birth of AFCON.

Egypt since then has played in 26 out of 34 AFCON editions, claiming the trophy seven times. The Egyptian National Team, the Pharaohs defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the inaugural edition of the games in Sudan, making them the first champions.

Two years after this, they won the championship title for the second time when AFCON was hosted in the country in 1959.

They again claimed the trophy in 1986, giving them a third win followed by a fourth in 1998.

The 2000s saw Egypt reign as one of the most successful countries in the tournament, with wins in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

But that’s the last time the North African nation landed a trophy in the AFCON. The closest they have come since then is in 2017 and 2021 when they emerged as runners-up to Cameroon and Senegal respectively.

Egypt has hosted the AFCON five times since its inception in 1957 and has won the cup three times out of this number.

Cameroon is the next champion after Egypt with 5 titles to its credit, followed by Ghana which has four, and Nigeria which has three.

This year, Egypt is hoping to revive its trophy by beating countries including Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde at the group stages to emerge to the next stage.

This means that the runner-up in the AFCON 2023 will receive $4 million. Two semi-finalists and four quarter-finalists will each get $2.5 million and $1.3 million respectively, CAF announced in a statement .

“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions. We have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money,” said President of CAF Patrice Motsepe.

“I am confident that a portion of the Prize Money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.

Senegal, the winner of the 2021 edition of the competition received $5 million while Egypt received $2.75 million as runner-up.

The opening match of the AFCON 2023 will take place between the host Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on January 13, 2024.

Minister of Transport and Mayor of Bouaké the second largest city in Ivory Coast is spearheading the works and has urged contracted companies to deliver by the projected date.

Amadou Koné launched road maintenance works on tracks necessary for the smooth running of the competition in the city.

About 13.5km of roads are expected to be maintained in Bouaké, similar to works on four other cities including Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, San-Pedro and Korhogo.

“After the launch of the Works by the Prime Minister in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, on behalf of the Government, I proceeded to the official launch of road maintenance works for the city of Bouaké in the presence of the local president of COCAN, the prefect of Bouaké and representatives of the Ministry of Road Equipment and Maintenance as well as those of the companies which will carry out this work,” Minister Koné was quoted by Abidjanan.net .

Ivory Coast is hosting the AFCON (CAN 2023) in six different stadiums nationwide including the Abidjan, Korhogo and San Pedro stadiums.

The 34 th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations organized by the Confederation of African Football will be hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time since 1984.

The Pharaohs’ AFCON exploits over the years

Having won the trophy more than any other country, Egypt has a long history in the AFCON. When they hosted and won the tournament's inaugural edition in 1957, it was their first victory. They accomplished the feat once more in 1959, then in 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010. Under the direction of famous coach Hassan Shehata, who coached a golden age of players like Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Zidan, and Wael Gomaa, they won their last three championships.

Egypt hasn't been able to compete at the same level in the AFCON since their last title in 2010, nevertheless. Due to subpar qualifier performances, they were excluded from three consecutive tournaments in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In 2017, they participated once more and made it to the final, where Cameroon defeated them. They once again hosted the competition in 2019, but in the round of 16, they were shockingly defeated by South Africa. They made it all the way to the final once again in the 2021 edition but lost 4-2 on penalties to Senegal.

Is Mo Salah still the best on the continent?

The rise of Mo Salah to the status of a global superstar has been one of the primary factors in Egypt's comeback in the AFCON. With his speed, talent, and finishing prowess, the Liverpool forward has been a reliable performer for both his club and his country, scoring goals and creating them. Numerous individual and group honours, such as three Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup title, and a FIFA Puskas Award have been bestowed upon him.

Salah has also played a significant role for Egypt at the AFCON, contributing 64% of Egypt's goals in the AFCON since his debut in 2017. In the quarterfinal round of the 2021 competition, he won the man of the match award as Egypt defeated Morocco after extra time, he scored the goal to bring the game level in normal time and assisted the winner in extra time.

Salah's competition with other African stars who have achieved success at the club and international levels is strong. Over the years, he has shared the CAF Footballer of the Year podium alongside ex-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane (Senegal), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria).

Victor Osimhen, a striker from Nigeria who is currently ranked among the finest in the world, is a newcomer to the scene after helping his club Napoli win the Italian Serie A for the first time since 1990. In the competition, he would also try to match his club form and lead his nation to glory.

Now or never for the Egyptian King

Five months after the African Championship in 2024 begins, Salah will turn 32. He might never again have the chance to honourably represent Egypt on a continental level. He will be attempting to follow in the footsteps of Aboutrika, a longtime Egyptian staple who was a vital part of the Egyptian team that won the competition three times in a row. Salah once referred to Aboutrika as "the best player I've ever played alongside."

Tournament overview and significance

Following an increase from 16 teams in 2019, the tournament's second iteration will have 24 teams. Additionally, the event will resume its traditional January–February dates after being shifted to June–July in 2019 owing to poor weather and club obligations. Ivory Coast will host the competition, which will take place at six locations across five cities (Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro), having previously won the championship in 1992 and 2015.