Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has publicly stated his belief that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should return to his home country. In recent comments, Hakimi highlighted Morocco's successful organization of major tournaments and its world-class infrastructure as key reasons.
Morocco last hosted the AFCON in 1988. The nation has since made several bids to host the tournament, most recently for the 2025 edition, which was initially awarded to Guinea before being reassigned to Morocco. However, CAF later postponed the 2025 tournament to 2026 and awarded hosting rights to a new bidding process.
Hakimi's comments come as Morocco continues to establish itself as a premier destination for international sports. The country recently co-hosted the 2030 FIFA World Cup and successfully staged the 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations. Its modern stadiums and transport networks are frequently cited as assets.
While Hakimi's opinion carries weight as a national icon, the decision for future AFCON hosts rests with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The next tournament is scheduled for 2027, with bids from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and a joint bid from Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia.
