In part because of the excellent playing conditions, this has been an Africa Cup of Nations devoid of shocks. The World Cup will suffer from the same flaws. Like Senegal, Morocco are looking for their second Cup of Nations triumph but, 50 years after their previous success, there is real urgency about their quest. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersThe sense so far has been of a Cup of Nations that has been almost too slick, too polished. That may yet be redeemed by a thrilling final but, with the World Cup and its inflated narratives looming, there is a risk that this becomes a forgotten Cup of Nations.

Source: The Guardian January 18, 2026 09:33 UTC