The Moroccan royal court issued a statement on Thursday evening, January 22, containing a comment from King Mohammed VI on the events that took place during the Africa Cup.
Below is the text of the statement as it was issued
“In the aftermath of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in a vibrant atmosphere from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God support him, expresses his deep gratitude to all components of the nation that contributed magnificently to the great success of this distinguished event.
His Majesty particularly wishes to congratulate all citizens across various cities of the Kingdom for their efforts and to express his thanks to each individual for their valuable contribution to this historic success, which has been recognized and praised by the entire world.
His Majesty the King, may God honor him, also conveys words of commendation to millions of Moroccans, women, men, and children, who have not hesitated, each in their own way and always in an exemplary manner, to support their national team, which now ranks eighth in the world rankings. This remarkable result is particularly the fruit of an ambitious, proactive policy at the sports level and in infrastructure, as well as the choice stemming from the deep-seated national spirit of talented Moroccan expatriates who proudly wear the national team’s jersey and defend its colors with pride and honor.
This tournament will remain a significant milestone in the history of continental competition, as, in addition to its excellent sports results, it measured the qualitative leap that the Kingdom has achieved on the path of development and progress, thanks to a far-sighted vision and a unique and effective Moroccan model that places the citizen at the heart of all aspirations.
And while this major continental football event hosted by the Kingdom was marred by unfortunate incidents that occurred in the final minutes of the final match between the Moroccan and Senegalese teams, during which disgraceful acts were recorded; once the intensity of emotions subsides, the bonds of African brotherhood will triumph naturally; as this Moroccan success is also a success for all of Africa. Morocco will remain proud to have provided on its land a month of popular joy and sports enthusiasm, thereby contributing to the glow of Africa and football on the continent.
On another note, in light of the smear campaigns and some attempts to undermine credibility, His Majesty King, may God support him, remains convinced that hostile schemes will never achieve their goal, and that the Moroccan people know how to distinguish between matters and will not accept to be led astray by hatred and division. Nothing can affect the closeness that has been woven over centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation that exists between the various countries of the continent, which continues to strengthen through more ambitious partnerships.
The Kingdom of Morocco has been and will continue to be a great African country loyal to the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and respect that it has always upheld towards its continent.
According to the forward-looking vision of His Majesty the King, Morocco will continue its unwavering commitment to a united and prosperous Africa, especially through the shared dissemination of its experiences, expertise, and skills.”
