Regragui: The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will not leave Morocco, and a message to the fans
Walid Regragui, the coach of the Moroccan national team, made fiery statements full of confidence and defiance before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. Regragui categorically bet that the continental title would not leave Moroccan soil, stressing that the Atlas Lions are determined to celebrate with the cup with their fans at the end of the tournament.
A message to the fans: We want encouragement, not photos
Speaking about fan support, Regragui addressed the national team's supporters directly, emphasizing the need for a strong and impactful presence in the stands. He stated clearly, "I know very well that our fans are eager for victory, and their presence will support the team and the players in the matches. If their presence is only for taking pictures, then we don't need it. Each of us must fulfill our individual role." The national coach affirmed that he remains committed to his promise of lifting the trophy, but cautioned that this requires concerted effort, humility, and respect for the opponents.
Historical context: The search for the second star
This edition of the tournament holds exceptional importance for Morocco, as the Atlas Lions seek to break a decades-long curse. Despite the rich history of Moroccan football and the presence of world-class stars, the national team has only won the continental title once, in 1976 in Ethiopia. Following their unprecedented achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished fourth, expectations have skyrocketed, making winning this edition on home soil a national imperative to reaffirm their continental dominance.
The challenges of the first group and Hakimi's situation
The Moroccan national team is competing in Group A, which also includes Comoros, Mali, and Zambia. Coach Regragui acknowledged the difficulty of the task, particularly the opening match against Comoros, noting that the pressure has become his "daily bread" and doesn't bother him; rather, it's part of the honor of leading the national team. Regarding the readiness of key players, Regragui remained vague about the participation of right-back Achraf Hakimi, saying, "I don't know yet how much Achraf Hakimi will be able to play, and we're waiting for the medical reports that will determine his availability.".
Strategic dimensions of the championship
The importance of this tournament is not limited to the sporting aspect alone, but it is a real test of the infrastructure and organization of the Kingdom of Morocco, which is preparing for a larger global event, namely participating in organizing the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, the success of organizing the “CAN” and the crowning of the national team with it will give a huge moral and marketing boost to Morocco on the international stage.
