Morocco and AFCON 2025 Hosting: Between Organizational Challenges and the Continental Dream
As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco nears its end, the host nation is pursuing a dual ambition: delivering an impeccably organized tournament and winning a long-awaited title that has eluded them since 1976. With the official tournament draw held on January 27, 2025, at the Mohammed V National Theater in Rabat, the picture is now clearer—the Atlas Lions are set to face Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in the group stage before eyeing the knockout rounds.
The organizing committee has set unprecedented standards for this edition, leveraging Morocco’s advanced infrastructure, developed in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will take place across nine world-class stadiums, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Grand Stadium of Tangier, the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, and venues in Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez, among others.
Additionally, 24 training camps have been set up for participating teams in various cities, while significant investments have been made to enhance transportation infrastructure, including roads, the high-speed train (TGV), and supporting logistics. Morocco aims to offer an unparalleled experience, surpassing all previous AFCON editions, drawing on its expertise from hosting the FIFA Club World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Can Walid Regragui and His Team Break the Curse and Claim the Title?
Despite high expectations, the key question remains: Can Morocco finally lift the trophy on home soil?
The national team boasts a star-studded squad, with players excelling in Europe’s top leagues. However, maintaining balance across all lines poses a real challenge, particularly in central defense, where the absence of key players raises concerns about who will partner Nayef Aguerd. Additionally, match congestion and physical fatigue are significant hurdles, given the packed 2025 football calendar, which includes:
- The expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino is positioning as a landmark event.
All these factors mean a tight preparation window for Walid Regragui, who will have only two friendly match windows in June and November to finalize his squad before the tournament kicks off in January 2025.
The X-Factor: Moroccan Fans and National Mobilization
If there is one undeniable strength in this edition, it is Moroccan supporters, who will be a decisive factor in boosting player morale and igniting a fierce competitive spirit. The Atlas Lions will count on a national mobilization, aiming to recreate the electrifying atmosphere of the 2022 World Cup, where fan support was instrumental in Morocco’s historic semifinal run.
A Dual Challenge: Hosting a Historic AFCON and Winning the Title
With all conditions seemingly favorable, the final decision rests in the hands of the players and coaching staff. Morocco must either seize the moment and dominate on home soil, or continue to struggle with past disappointments.
AFCON 2025 is more than just a tournament—it is a true test of Morocco’s sporting and organizational strength.
