The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has served as far more than a continental football championship. For many observers, it has become a crucial litmus test for the nation's preparedness to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The tournament is providing a live, large-scale rehearsal, scrutinising everything from stadiums and transport to organisational prowess.
Infrastructure and Facilities: A Strong Foundation for 2030
In terms of core facilities, Morocco is already demonstrating a robust capacity. All six cities currently hosting Afcon matches are confirmed candidates for the 2030 World Cup. The stadiums in Rabat and Tangier are operational and impressive, with further major developments planned. A colossal new 115,000-seat stadium is slated for construction in Casablanca, while existing grounds in Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez are earmarked for significant renovation.
The quality of the pitches has been universally praised, maintaining high standards despite challenging, wet weather. This consistency may even be a factor in the tournament's predictable progression, where eight of Africa's top ten ranked teams reached the quarter-finals.
Transport presents a more nuanced picture. The high-speed Al-Boraq rail link between Rabat and Tangier is world-class, and plans are in place to extend this service through Casablanca to Marrakech by 2030. While conventional train services are reliable, they would face immense pressure during a World Cup and currently do not reach southern hubs like Agadir. With limited internal flights, this remains a key logistical challenge to address.
Morocco's well-established tourist industry has comfortably absorbed the influx of Afcon visitors without rampant price inflation, suggesting a solid base for accommodating World Cup crowds.
Persistent Challenges: Access and Short-Term Thinking
However, the tournament has highlighted some critical issues. Access to certain stadiums has emerged as a serious concern. Dangerous crushes were reported at the smaller venues in Rabat and particularly in Marrakech, where the stadium's out-of-town location, single access road, and lack of rail link caused chaos even when attendance was modest.
Beyond infrastructure, familiar patterns of football administration persist. Nigeria's campaign has been overshadowed by a complex bonus dispute, revealing ongoing governance issues. The immediate dismissal of managers, such as Tunisia's Sami Trabelsi after a last-16 exit and the expected departure of Algeria's Vladimir Petković, underscores a culture of short-termism that can hinder long-term development.
African Football Quality: On an Upward Trajectory
The quality of football on display, however, points to a continent whose elite is strengthening. Morocco's historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals broke a long-standing barrier. The current Afcon semi-finalists all exhibit compelling qualities.
Senegal remain formidable, Egypt are playing with renewed belief under Mohamed Salah, and Nigeria's attacking trio of Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen has been electrifying. Hosts Morocco, despite palpable pressure, displayed the disciplined organisation that famously eliminated Spain and Portugal in Qatar.
The question of whether an African nation can finally win the World Cup feels more pertinent than ever. With Morocco and Senegal leading the charge, and nations like Egypt or Côte d'Ivoire capable of deep runs, the prognosis for African football on the global stage is increasingly positive. The 2025 Afcon is proving that Morocco has the foundational capability to host a mega-event, while also showcasing a continent whose footballing power continues to rise.
