Overview
- The tournament runs Dec. 21 to Jan. 18, with Morocco opening against Comoros in Rabat and matches staged across nine stadiums in six cities.
- FIFA moved the mandatory club release date for African players to Dec. 15, forcing teams to shorten preparation plans.
- CAF projects a $110 million surplus driven largely by TV rights, up from less than $10 million at the 2022 edition.
- Security and attendance planning is in focus after objects were thrown during a recent FAR Rabat–Al Ahly match.
- Analysts highlight Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal as leading contenders, while Ghana and Cape Verde failed to qualify.