King Mohammed VI reiterates Morocco’s firm and unwavering commitment to Africa On January 22, the Royal Office issued a statement in which King Mohammed VI expressed his gratitude to all elements of the country for the success of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The sovereign expressed “his thanks to all the components of the nation who contributed admirably to the complete success of this magnificent event,” praising the collective mobilization that enabled the competition to run smoothly throughout the country. The statement emphasizes that this shared commitment resulted in “a historic success, recognized and praised throughout the world,” thanks to the involvement of citizens “across the kingdom’s various cities.”
The statement offers heartfelt congratulations to Moroccan citizens for their active participation in this continental event, with the sovereign wishing to “particularly congratulate all citizens for their efforts.” It also pays tribute to the popular support given to the national team, saluting “the millions of Moroccans, women, men and children, who have continued to support their national team, each in their own way and always in an exemplary manner,” now ranked “eighth best team in the world.”
This result is described as “remarkable,” with the statement specifying that it is the result of a high-level sports and infrastructure policy and the patriotic choice of talented children of Moroccans around the world to “wear the national team jersey and defend its colors with pride and panache.”
The sovereign recalls that the 2025-2026 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations “will be a landmark event, because beyond its excellent sporting results, it will have made it possible to measure the qualitative leap that the kingdom has made on the path to development and progress, the fruit of a long-term vision and a unique and successful Moroccan model that places the citizen at the center of all ambitions.”
He also refers to the incidents that occurred in the final minutes of the final against Senegal, stating that “once the passion has subsided, inter-African brotherhood will naturally prevail, because Morocco’s success is also Africa’s success.”
King Mohammed VI emphasized that “the Moroccan people know how to put things into perspective and will not allow themselves to be drawn into resentment and discord,” and reaffirmed that “the Kingdom of Morocco is and will remain a great African country, faithful to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and respect that it has always cultivated towards its continent.”
