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Six months ahead of kickoff for the next Africa Cup of Nations (December 21 – January 18), Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has affirmed that the 2025 edition will be a celebration of Moroccan hospitality and African unity. For him, it all begins with welcoming fans—especially those from Algeria, whom he hopes to see turn out in large numbers.
«The King has reiterated that Morocco has always been a welcoming country for Algerians», Lekjaa told L'Équipe, adding: «Algerian families live here and know the quality of that coexistence», in reference to expectations around the participation of the Algerian national team and its fans.
Mindful of the political tension between Rabat and Algiers, Morocco’s football chief is placing his hopes on sport to help bridge the divide. «Algerian fans will be welcomed with the same warm hospitality», he promised, a statement heavy with meaning in a context where gestures and symbols matter.
Beyond the message of fraternity, Lekjaa is championing an Africa Cup of Nations that can rival the world’s top football competitions. «This edition will be of international standard, on par with the European Championship or the World Cup», he declared. With nine world-class stadiums and key infrastructure already in place, the goal is clear: to make both Morocco and Africa shine on the global stage.
Though some may view the project as overly ambitious, Lekjaa sees it as entirely justified. «The more structured and professionally marketed the tournament is, the more revenue it will generate and the greater the potential for redistribution and development», he explained.
For Lekjaa, this pursuit of excellence goes beyond sport. Hosting the tournament, he said, should also «revive the memory of the kingdom’s ancient culture and civilization» and highlight «Africa’s immense potential».
