The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will kickoff in less than 12 days, but many are confused why it takes the name AFCON 2023, despite holding in 2024. Originally, AFCON 2023 was scheduled to be held in June and July of 2023. However, due to concerns about weather conditions, particularly high rainfall and temperatures during the rainy season in Ivory Coast, where the tournament was to be hosted, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to move the event to January 2024. Earlier, Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF explained the decision. 
Sadio Mane inspired Senegal to victory in the last edition of the AFCON – Getty image He said, “We cannot take the risk. January is not the ideal time because of the European clubs, but it is the only choice we have.” Another factor contributing to the timing was the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Qatar in late 2022, preventing the possibility of holding AFCON earlier in the year. The last tournament of the continental game was won by a Sadio Mane’s inspired Senegal in 2021.
Dejected Croatian players at the Nations League final. Source: Getty Spain winning the Nations League is a confidence boost for their new coach Luis de la Fuente after heavy criticism in March following a defeat to Scotland in a Euro 2024 qualifying game. It also avenged their 2021 final defeat by France. Real Madrid defender Carvajal told Spanish broadcaster TVE; “For us it was a unique opportunity, we went out early in another tournament (at the World Cup in Qatar) and today we had to take advantage. “We had confidence with the penalties and it went well, I knew how I was going to shoot it, and I knew I was going to be sixth… I wanted to take it Panenka style and it went well.” It remains to be seen whether this was Modric’s final chance to deliver a trophy for his country, with the 37-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner set to make an announcement on his international future this week. 
