RABAT, MOROCCO — The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has declared that the upcoming Men’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will be “the best celebration of African football.”
Motsepe made the pronouncement on Wednesday 30, April 2025 upon his arrival at Rabat-Salé Airport. He was in Morocco to attend the final of the Women’s Futsal AFCON, contested between the host nation and Tanzania.
“The men’s AFCON is the biggest competition in African football. The next edition, which Morocco will host, will be the best celebration of football on the continent,” Motsepe asserted.
Turning his attention to the Women’s AFCON, also slated to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26 next year, the CAF President expressed his confidence that this edition will be a great success.
Motsepe conveyed his pleasure at returning to Morocco, which he described as a land for all Africans and all those who love football. He also reiterated his utmost trust in Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), who was recently appointed as CAF’s First Vice-President.
Highlighting Lekjaa’s pivotal role in the advancement of African football and his profound dedication to the sport, Motsepe stated: “Together with Mr. Lekjaa, the other vice-presidents, and CAF member associations, we can elevate African football—whether at the level of national teams, clubs, women’s football, or futsal.”
Drawing on Morocco as an example, Motsepe also underscored the significance of collaborative partnerships between governments and football federations across the African continent to foster the widespread development of the sport.
He lauded the strong enthusiasm for football among Moroccans, noting that this passion significantly contributes to the success of competitions hosted within the Kingdom.
Motsepe concluded by expressing his excitement to attend the final of the inaugural Women’s Futsal AFCON, scheduled for Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
