CAF confirms AFCON 2023 dates and projects record global audience

The dates for the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 have been officially confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The tournament, which is Africa’s biggest football event, will kick off on Saturday, 13 January 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan.

The competition will run for four weeks, with the final set for 11 February 2024. This will be the 34th edition of the tournament, and it returns to Cote d’Ivoire for the second time after first being held there in 1984, where Cameroon emerged as the winners for the first time.

CAF is projecting record global TV audiences and stadium attendances for the competition, which also currently holds the record of being Africa’s biggest event.

There has been unprecedented interest from global media rights licensees, and CAF has taken steps to enhance the viewing and stadium attendance experience of its competitions with cutting-edge broadcast technology and digital engagement.

Following the recently concluded round of qualifiers, six countries have secured their place in the competition. Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, and African champions, Senegal, will join hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament.

The CAF General Secretary, Veron Mosengo-Omba, has confirmed that the final draw will be held in September 2023. The date and venue for the draw will be confirmed in due course.