In a statement to MAP following the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on Wednesday, Lekjaa underlined that this choice also underscores Morocco’s readiness to host major sporting events under optimal conditions.

“Today, Morocco, with unanimous African approval and without any debate, has the honor of hosting the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. It is the crowning achievement of extraordinary work led by a Great King. It is also the finest reward for a football-loving nation,” he said.

He went on to state that hosting 2025 AFCON in Morocco is the first step, to be followed by another significant endeavor: bidding to host the 2030 World Cup jointly with Spain and Portugal.

In this regard, Lekjaa stressed that the Kingdom will transform this event into a “rebirth of Mediterranean civilization between the north and south of the Mediterranean,” noting that the African continent will rally behind Morocco to achieve this goal, which is also an African aspiration.

The Kingdom of Morocco was unanimously chosen as the host nation for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (2025 AFCON) following the meeting of the CAF Executive Committee in Cairo on Wednesday.

Additionally, the Committee awarded the organization of 2027’s edition to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, who had submitted a joint bid.