The tournament was the first featuring national teams to be arranged by Fox Sports as part of a twelve year partnership between the broadcaster and the West Africa national football associations union.

[1][2] Originally, one of the two host cities was set to be Sekondi-Takoradi however the local organising committee changed it to Elmina due to "structural defects at the Sekondi-Takoradi Stadium and the danger it could pose to fans during the tournament".

The draw was held on 27 July at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

Ghana were given the highest ranking due to being competition hosts.

[5] The four highest ranked national teams from WAFU Zones A and B were seeded meaning they could not be drawn against each other.