CAN 2025: Morocco Establishes Itself as a Football Nation
CAN 2025: Morocco Affirms Its Status as a Football Nation
On Tuesday in Rabat, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, stated that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, scheduled from December 21 to January 18, marks “the beginning of a historical process” that will extend well beyond the 2030 World Cup. He emphasized that this edition will be “a global reference,” mobilizing all of the country’s vital forces under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
AFCON 2025: A Major Cultural and Human Event
According to Fouzi Lekjaa, AFCON Morocco 2025 will not be limited to sporting encounters but will represent “a great human celebration,” highlighting Morocco’s role as a civilizational crossroads of Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Arab and Amazigh worlds.
He also announced the mobilization of 15,000 volunteers, including 1,500 from Africa, reflecting the enthusiasm generated by this continental event.
Morocco, a Football Nation: An Aligned ONMT-FRMF Strategy
The Director General of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), Achraf Fayda, unveiled the integrated strategy aimed at enhancing Morocco’s attractiveness through the “Morocco, a Football Nation” campaign.
In this framework, several key initiatives have been launched:
Organizing B2B workshops between African tour operators and Moroccan professionals;
European roadshows to engage the diaspora;
Developing a strengthened air bridge to facilitate travel during AFCON;
Mobilizing travel agencies to promote dedicated tourism packages.
The ONMT is also collaborating with influencers and content creators from the 24 participating countries to showcase the six host cities and their infrastructures.
International Recognition of the Moroccan Model
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström praised Morocco’s central position in global football, noting that it is “a land of champions and hospitality.” For years, the Kingdom has hosted African teams seeking approved stadiums, exemplifying its solidarity and continental leadership.
From the perspective of CAF, its Secretary-General Véron Mosengo-Omba highlighted that “all indicators” suggest Morocco is well on its way to hosting “the best AFCON in history.” He also expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for providing world-class sports infrastructure.
A Global Campaign to Promote Morocco
The FRMF and ONMT have entered into a strategic agreement aimed at enhancing Morocco’s image through football. The international campaign “Morocco, a Football Nation” presents a poetic vision of the Kingdom, where sport embodies energy, unity, and passion.
The 90-second promotional film will be broadcast in over ten international markets, digitally and across all Moroccan media: television, radio, billboard, and print.
