Morocco will host the AFCON from December 2025 to January 2026, showcasing enhanced accommodations for teams, with a focus on luxury compared to previous hosts. The Confederation of African Football anticipates this will be the best AFCON ever due to Morocco’s upgraded facilities and strategic planning.
Morocco is set to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the second time from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, after its first hosting in 1988. Following the final draw on January 27, the qualification of teams sparked extensive media and social media commentary. Interestingly, the day prior’s draw regarding accommodations and team base camps evoked even greater public engagement, demonstrating Morocco’s strategic approach to the tournament.
For this AFCON, Morocco is implementing a new concept by providing a dedicated base camp with high-quality hotels and training facilities for each of the 24 participating teams. This marks a significant upgrade from the previous model used by Côte d’Ivoire, which relied on collective housing in less luxurious settings. Projections by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), suggest this iteration could be unprecedented in quality and experience for the teams involved.
The luxurious accommodations being offered include renowned hotels like Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hilton, and Ritz-Carlton, contrasting sharply with the less appealing ‘AFCON cities’ established in Côte d’Ivoire that lacked adequate facilities. Teams from Morocco and Algeria have already expressed their concerns about these previous offering—specifically, their proximity to rival teams, which influenced their lodging choices.
Football plays a dual role in Morocco, serving as both a popular sport and a tool for diplomacy and national pride. The African Cup of Nations is a significant event that not only showcases football talent across the continent but also highlights the hosting country’s capabilities to manage large-scale events. Morocco’s proactive approach in improving infrastructure and offering quality accommodations signifies its commitment to enhancing its image as a regional leader in sports tourism and hospitality during international competitions.
In summary, Morocco’s preparations for the upcoming AFCON in 2025-2026 highlight its commitment to providing high-quality experiences for participating teams. The strategic choice of luxurious accommodations and dedicated training facilities sets a new standard in tournament hosting, contrasting with Côte d’Ivoire’s previous offerings. As Morocco positions itself for success in this competitive landscape, it aims to elevate the overall AFCON experience to unprecedented levels, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for international sports events.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
