AFCON READINESS IS ‘VISION-DRIVEN,’ NOT A ‘TEST’ FOR 2030 WORLD CUP

MOROCCO is highlighting its long-term plans as the time for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets closer. The country is rejecting suggestions that its efforts are just getting ready for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Omar Khyari, who advises the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, said Morocco is fully prepared for AFCON 2025. He added that the country's big infrastructure projects are part of a national plan that has been going on for many years, led by King Mohammed VI.

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Khyari pointed out that Morocco has been investing in stadiums, airports, highways, and tourism facilities long before AFCON or the World Cup.

He said, "The country did not wait for AFCON or the World Cup to change itself." He stressed that Morocco's readiness is based on a vision for the future, not just for one event. The country also has Africa's only high-speed train, Al Boraq, and recently opened the biggest hospital on the continent in Rabat, showing the scale of its long-term achievements.

All nine venues across six cities are ready, and the quality of the pitches has been checked and approved by both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

The national team has also looked into the logistics, safety, and accessibility for the event. Morocco's good transportation system will be a big help. They plan to increase train schedules, add more domestic flights, and use special transport operations on match days to make it easy for fans and teams to get around.

Khyari ended with a message about hospitality and coming together as a continent.

He said, "In Morocco, you are at home. AFCON 2025 will be a celebration of Africa, and Morocco is ready to host the continent as family." He emphasized that the country is well-prepared to hold a top-level tournament.