The African Cup of Nations 2024 (AFCON 2024) is the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the biennial international men’s football championship of Africa organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Originally scheduled to be held in 2023 in Guinea, CAF later decided to move it to 2024 and change the hosting rights to Ivory Coast. The tournament was expanded to 24 teams from 16, increasing the number of matches.
This article provides an overview of the African Cup of Nations 2024, including its history, format, qualified teams, and key dates.
African Cup Of Nations 2024
The following are 8 important points about the African Cup of Nations 2024:
- 35th edition of the tournament
- Hosted by Ivory Coast
- 24 teams participating
- Expanded from 16 teams
- Held in June and July 2024
- Defending champions: Senegal
- Top African teams competing
- Prestigious continental championship
The African Cup of Nations 2024 is expected to be an exciting and competitive tournament, showcasing the best of African football.
35th edition of the tournament
The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be the 35th edition of the tournament, which has been held every two years since 1957 (except for 2013, which was switched to odd years). It is the most prestigious football competition in Africa, and brings together the best teams from across the continent.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Guinea, but was moved to Ivory Coast due to concerns over Guinea’s readiness to host the event. Ivory Coast has previously hosted the tournament in 1984 and 2023.
The expansion of the tournament from 16 to 24 teams is a significant change, and will allow more countries to participate and showcase their footballing talent. The format of the tournament will remain the same, with the teams divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
The defending champions are Senegal, who won their first AFCON title in 2022. Other top teams to watch include Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Morocco.
The African Cup of Nations 2024 is expected to be a highly competitive and entertaining tournament, and will provide a platform for the best African footballers to showcase their skills.
Hosted by Ivory Coast
The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be hosted by Ivory Coast. This will be the second time that Ivory Coast has hosted the tournament, having previously done so in 1984.
- Modern infrastructure: Ivory Coast has invested heavily in its sports infrastructure in recent years, and now boasts some of the best stadiums and training facilities in Africa. The tournament will be played in six cities across the country, including Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San Pedro, Yamoussoukro, and Gagnoa.
- Experienced organizers: Ivory Coast has a proven track record of successfully hosting major sporting events, including the 2023 African Cup of Nations. The country’s organizing committee is confident that it can deliver a world-class tournament in 2024.
- Passionate fans: Ivory Coast is a football-loving nation, and the fans are sure to create a vibrant and passionate atmosphere at the tournament. The Ivorians will be eager to cheer on their team and support the other African nations competing.
- Economic benefits: Hosting the African Cup of Nations will provide a significant economic boost to Ivory Coast. The tournament is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Africa and the world, who will spend money on accommodation, food, and other goods and services.
Ivory Coast is well-prepared to host a successful African Cup of Nations in 2024. The country has the infrastructure, experience, and passion to deliver a tournament that will be remembered for years to come.
24 teams participating
The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 24 teams, up from 16 teams in previous editions.
- Increased competition: The expansion of the tournament to 24 teams will make it more competitive, as more countries will have the opportunity to qualify. This will also give more African players the chance to showcase their talent on a continental stage.
- Greater representation: The expansion of the tournament will also allow for greater representation of African football. More countries from different regions of the continent will be able to participate, which will help to promote the development of football in Africa.
- More exciting matches: With more teams participating, there will be more matches to enjoy. This will give fans the opportunity to see more of the best African football and cheer on their favorite teams.
- Economic benefits: The expansion of the tournament is also expected to have a positive economic impact on Ivory Coast and the other countries participating. The tournament will attract more visitors and generate more revenue for the host country and the participating teams.
The expansion of the African Cup of Nations to 24 teams is a significant change that will have a positive impact on the tournament and African football as a whole.
Expanded from 16 teams
The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 24 teams, up from 16 teams in previous editions.
- Increased competition: The expansion of the tournament to 24 teams will make it more competitive, as more countries will have the opportunity to qualify. This will also give more African players the chance to showcase their talent on a continental stage.
- Greater representation: The expansion of the tournament will also allow for greater representation of African football. More countries from different regions of the continent will be able to participate, which will help to promote the development of football in Africa.
- More exciting matches: With more teams participating, there will be more matches to enjoy. This will give fans the opportunity to see more of the best African football and cheer on their favorite teams.
- Economic benefits: The expansion of the tournament is also expected to have a positive economic impact on Ivory Coast and the other countries participating. The tournament will attract more visitors and generate more revenue for the host country and the participating teams.
The expansion of the African Cup of Nations to 24 teams is a significant change that will have a positive impact on the tournament and African football as a whole.
Held in June and July 2024
The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be held in June and July 2024.
- Optimal weather conditions: June and July are the best months to hold the tournament in terms of weather conditions. The weather in Ivory Coast during these months is mild and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. This will provide ideal conditions for the players to perform at their best.
- No conflict with other major tournaments: Holding the tournament in June and July ensures that it will not conflict with other major football tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship. This will allow the best African players to participate in the tournament without having to choose between their national team and their club team.
- School holidays: June and July coincide with school holidays in many African countries. This will allow more fans to travel to Ivory Coast to support their teams.
- Economic benefits: Holding the tournament during the peak tourist season in Ivory Coast will help to maximize the economic benefits of the event. The tournament is expected to attract a large number of visitors, who will spend money on accommodation, food, and other goods and services.
The African Cup of Nations 2024 is set to be a memorable tournament, and the timing of the event will play a significant role in its success.
Defending champions: Senegal
Senegal will enter the African Cup of Nations 2024 as the defending champions, having won their first AFCON title in 2022.
- High expectations: As the defending champions, Senegal will be under pressure to perform well in the 2024 tournament. They will be expected to reach the latter stages of the competition and challenge for the title.
- Quality squad: Senegal has a talented squad, led by Liverpool star Sadio Mané. The team also includes other experienced players, such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, and Édouard Mendy.
- Recent success: Senegal has been in good form in recent years, winning the AFCON title in 2022 and reaching the final of the 2019 tournament. The team is confident that it can continue its success in 2024.
- Home support: Senegal will have the support of many fans at the 2024 tournament, as Ivory Coast is a neighboring country. This will give the team an added boost as they look to defend their title.
Senegal will be one of the favorites to win the African Cup of Nations 2024. The team has a talented squad, is in good form, and will have the support of many fans. Senegal will be determined to defend its title and prove that it is the best team in Africa.
Top African teams competing
The African Cup of Nations 2024 will feature some of the top teams in Africa, including:
- Senegal: The defending champions and one of the favorites to win the tournament. Senegal has a talented squad, led by Liverpool star Sadio Mané.
- Egypt: The most successful team in AFCON history, with seven titles. Egypt has a strong team, led by Mohamed Salah.
- Nigeria: A former champion and always a contender. Nigeria has a young and talented squad.
- Cameroon: Another former champion and a team to watch. Cameroon has a good mix of experienced and young players.
- Morocco: A rising star in African football. Morocco has a talented squad and is capable of beating anyone on its day.
These are just a few of the top teams that will be competing in the African Cup of Nations 2024. The tournament is sure to be exciting and competitive, with many of the best players in Africa on display.
Prestigious continental championship
The African Cup of Nations is the most prestigious continental football championship in Africa. It is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and brings together the best national teams from across the continent.
The tournament was first held in 1957 and has been held every two years since then (except for 2013, which was switched to odd years). Egypt is the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with seven titles.
The African Cup of Nations is a major sporting event in Africa and is followed by millions of fans around the world. The tournament provides a platform for African players to showcase their talent and for African teams to compete against each other for the title of continental champion.
The 2024 tournament is set to be one of the most competitive and exciting in history, with some of the top teams in Africa set to compete. The tournament will be a great opportunity for fans to see the best of African football and to witness the crowning of a new continental champion.
The African Cup of Nations is a prestigious continental championship that showcases the best of African football. The tournament is a major sporting event in Africa and is followed by millions of fans around the world.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the African Cup of Nations 2024:
Question 1: When will the African Cup of Nations 2024 be held?
Answer: The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be held from June to July 2024.
Question 2: Where will the African Cup of Nations 2024 be held?
Answer: The African Cup of Nations 2024 will be held in Ivory Coast.
Question 3: Which teams have qualified for the African Cup of Nations 2024?
Answer: The teams that have qualified for the African Cup of Nations 2024 are yet to be determined. The qualifiers will be held in 2023.
Question 4: Who are the favorites to win the African Cup of Nations 2024?
Answer: The favorites to win the African Cup of Nations 2024 are Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Question 5: How can I buy tickets for the African Cup of Nations 2024?
Answer: Ticket sales for the African Cup of Nations 2024 have not yet begun.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the African Cup of Nations 2024?
Answer: You can find more information about the African Cup of Nations 2024 on the official website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
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We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the African Cup of Nations 2024. For more information, please visit the official website of CAF.
Tips for attending the African Cup of Nations 2024:
Tips
Here are some tips for attending the African Cup of Nations 2024:
Tip 1: Book your flights and accommodation early.
The African Cup of Nations is a major sporting event, and Ivory Coast is a popular tourist destination. As a result, flights and accommodation can be expensive and sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, book your flights and accommodation as early as possible.
Tip 2: Get your visa in advance.
Citizens of most countries will need a visa to enter Ivory Coast. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance, as the process can take several weeks.
Tip 3: Learn some basic French.
French is the official language of Ivory Coast. While many people in the country also speak English, it is helpful to learn some basic French phrases. This will help you to communicate with locals and get around more easily.
Tip 4: Be prepared for the weather.
The African Cup of Nations will be held in June and July, which is the rainy season in Ivory Coast. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear, and be prepared for rain delays.
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Following these tips will help you to have a safe and enjoyable experience at the African Cup of Nations 2024.
Conclusion:
Conclusion
The African Cup of Nations 2024 is set to be a historic tournament. With the expansion to 24 teams, the tournament will be more competitive than ever before. Some of the top teams in Africa will be competing for the title, including Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
The tournament will be held in Ivory Coast, which is a football-loving nation. The Ivorians are sure to create a vibrant and passionate atmosphere at the tournament. The African Cup of Nations 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and everyone involved.
Closing Message
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to know about the African Cup of Nations 2024. We encourage you to follow the tournament and support your favorite team. The African Cup of Nations is a celebration of African football, and we hope that the 2024 tournament will be the best yet.