The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Morocco, will stand as a landmark in the history of African football.

By near-unanimous consensus among observers, participating teams and international media, this edition is widely regarded as the best ever organised on the continent, setting a new benchmark in terms of logistics, security, hospitality and overall professionalism.

Beyond the sporting spectacle, Morocco has successfully completed a full-scale continental rehearsal ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

AFCON 2025 thus served as a comprehensive test of the Kingdom’s capacity to deliver major international sporting events to the highest global standards.

The international recognition of AFCON 2025’s success rests on several key pillars. Teams and supporters alike praised the smooth organisation of matches, the quality and readiness of stadium infrastructure, as well as the warm and dignified welcome extended to African delegations and fans.

Particular attention was drawn to Morocco’s high-level security architecture, which ensured the tournament unfolded without major incidents.

The effectiveness of crowd management, surveillance systems and coordination between security services further reinforced Morocco’s reputation as a reliable host for global sporting competitions.

The organisational and sporting achievements showcased during AFCON 2025 are the result of a long-term strategy rooted in the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI for the development of sport and football in the Kingdom.

This Vision has translated into structural reforms and sustained investments, notably through:
• the establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, now recognised as one of Africa’s leading talent incubators;
• the expansion of grassroots football facilities across the country, ensuring wider access to sport for young people;
• significant investment in youth development, positioning football as a driver of social cohesion and excellence.

As early as 2008, in his Royal Message to the National Sports Conference held in Skhirat, King Mohammed VI emphasised the need for modern governance, professionalisation, robust infrastructure and a balanced approach between elite sport and mass participation, principles that continue to guide Morocco’s sporting strategy today.

The AFCON final was marked by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, representing King Mohammed VI.

This high-level representation underscored the strategic importance of sport within Morocco’s national vision and highlighted football’s role as a unifying force and a source of national pride.

The attendance of several prominent African figures—among them the President of Rwanda and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission—who travelled to Morocco on private visits to celebrate the tournament’s 35th edition, reflected the Kingdom’s growing leadership within Africa, particularly in the sporting domain.

Their presence illustrated the central place Morocco now occupies in African football governance and development, as well as the broader continental influence of the Sovereign.

With AFCON 2025, Morocco did more than host a tournament; it delivered a clear message to the international community.

The Kingdom has demonstrated that it is technically, institutionally and humanly prepared to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup within an innovative Euro-African partnership framework.

The success of AFCON 2025 confirms football as a strategic instrument of soft power and international projection, fully aligned with the Royal Vision of a modern, confident and globally engaged Morocco.