Le Roi Mohammed VI célèbre une CAN record sous le signe de l'amitié sénégalo-marocaine
“This Moroccan success is also an African success.” In a single sentence, the Royal Cabinet’s statement released the day after the final set the tone: the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco is intended to be a continental milestone, not just a national showcase. Behind this statement lies a widely shared observation within African sporting and institutional circles: the 2026 AFCON has taken the competition to a new level.
Key figures
The figures confirm this change of scale. More than 1.34 million spectators attended the 52 matches played in nine stadiums across six cities, averaging nearly 26,000 people per match. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), commercial revenue increased by more than 90%, driven by the revaluation of television rights and the expansion of the sponsorship portfolio. With higher viewership, greater profitability, and increased visibility, the Moroccan Africa Cup of Nations stands out as the most comprehensive edition ever organized.
On the ground, the event profoundly reshaped the urban landscape. In Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez, match nights redefined how people used to live: massive crowds flocked to the stadiums, public spaces were occupied for extended periods, and the informal economy was boosted by the increased attendance. The quality of the infrastructure—pitch-tops, covered stands, integrated services, and efficient traffic flow—contributed to an experience rarely associated with major African competitions. This was a source of pride for the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI. “Morocco remains proud to have offered, on its soil, a month of popular joy and sporting excitement, and to have contributed to the prominence of Africa and its football,” stated the press release from the Royal Cabinet.
This organizational achievement was not without its challenges. Malfunctions were noted at the start of the tournament, particularly concerning ticketing and access. The final, in particular, was marred by incidents at the end of the match, officially acknowledged in the royal communiqué, which referred to regrettable actions. This episode serves as a reminder that these major events carry a strong emotional charge, beyond the sport itself. The Kingdom, however, sought to downplay the significance of these events: "Nevertheless, once the initial passions subside, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail, because this Moroccan success is also an African success."
The real focus was elsewhere. For Rabat, the challenge was to demonstrate its capacity for large-scale, long-term organization. Nine stadiums meeting international standards, improved rail services, modernized airports, and structured, well-managed fan zones: never before had an Africa Cup of Nations benefited from such a comprehensive logistical network. More than 120 infrastructure and renovation projects were undertaken beforehand, while authorities anticipated between 600,000 and 1 million international visitors. The tourism revenue is estimated at over 12 billion dirhams.
Within CAF, this edition is now considered a benchmark. The continental body praised the organization for meeting global standards, while also highlighting the unprecedented economic impact of the competition, including on expanding audiovisual markets outside Africa. The Moroccan AFCON thus appears as a turning point in the strategy for commercializing African football.
This result is part of a long-term strategy. For over a decade, Morocco has been investing in a structured sports ecosystem: training centers, academies, women's football, futsal, and refereeing. Sporting achievements have accompanied this growth, from the Atlas Lions' epic run at the 2022 World Cup to the successes of youth teams on the continental and world stages.
A visit between Morocco and Senegal
This organizational success extended to the diplomatic stage a few days after the competition ended. While King Mohammed VI of Morocco positioned himself above the fray, emphasizing that “nothing can alter the close ties cultivated over centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with the various countries of the continent and strengthened by ever more ambitious partnerships,” his message materialized a few days later. Received by his counterpart Aziz Akhannouch on January 26, during the latter's visit to Morocco, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was keen to defuse any political interpretation of the incidents that occurred during the final. “The observed excesses should be reclassified as emotional outbursts produced by fervor and not as political or cultural factors.”
Ousmane Sonko also clarified the purpose of this trip, which took place in the immediate aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations. According to him, this visit was not "a trip of appeasement," but rather "a trip of confirmation, of moving beyond and of rebuilding the bond between two nations that respect each other, recognize each other, and plan for the future together."
For his part, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch reiterated that relations between Morocco and Senegal are "based on a solid foundation," founded on lasting cooperation and a convergence of views at the continental level. As if to further underscore the strength of bilateral relations, King Mohammed VI also hosted a luncheon in honor of the Senegalese Prime Minister.
With the 2030 World Cup just a few years away, which Morocco will co-host, this Africa Cup of Nations served as a full-scale test. But above all, it raises a central question for African football: how to transform this exceptional moment into a lasting norm, so that the standards observed in Morocco become those of all continental competitions in the future.
Commentaires (6)
La fraternité, je m'en fou éperdument, le Sénégal avant tout !
Des garages de mécaniciens y opèrent illégalement et servent de couverture à des activités criminelles et antisociales : trafic et consommation de drogue, prostitution nocturne, mendicité organisée, tapage permanent, et stationnement anarchique de taxis dans une zone strictement résidentielle.
Malgré une plainte déposée auprès de la DESCOS et de la mairie de Yoff, aucune action concrète n’a été engagée, laissant perdurer une situation qui constitue une menace directe pour la sécurité des habitants, des élèves et des familles.
Nous demandons donc une intervention immédiate des services compétents afin de procéder au démantèlement de ces installations illégales et au rétablissement de l’ordre public.
Je ne m'adresse pas aux pyromanes, trolls, et autres frustrés de tout...Faites ce que vous savez bien faire : détruire. Vous ne réussirez pas !
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