AFCON 2025: When the FBI Comes to Observe Moroccan Expertise
As part of strengthening transatlantic security cooperation, a high-level delegation from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is paying an official visit to Morocco from January 4 to 6, 2026. Led by Douglas Olson, Director of Field Operations, and Kevin Kowalski, Deputy Assistant Director for Emergency Response Management, the mission aims to closely examine the extensive security system deployed by the DGSN to protect the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
At the heart of the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, the American envoys paid particular attention to the “security bubble” surrounding the Morocco–Tanzania match. Their focus was on the synergy between elite ground units and aerial coverage. The systematic use of next-generation surveillance drones, capable of transmitting real-time images to decision-making centers, was cited as a prime example of modernity, enabling authorities to anticipate any suspicious crowd movement or incident around the stadium.
The delegation was also introduced to the inner workings of the mobile command center, a true technological achievement of the DGSN. These mobile crisis units allow full interconnection between the stadium’s high-definition fixed cameras and biometric databases. This digital network ensures near-instant responsiveness in the event of an incident, enabling law enforcement to intervene with surgical precision without disrupting the smooth running of the sporting event for the thousands of families in attendance.
Another highlight that impressed experts from the Federal Bureau was the African Security Cooperation Center. This innovative mechanism serves as a liaison platform between the Moroccan police and the security delegations of participating countries. The FBI observed how Morocco centralizes intelligence information on foreign supporter groups, thereby facilitating early prevention of potential tensions. This diplomatic approach to security is viewed by Americans as a model of security-related “soft power.”
Beyond technology, it was the human dimension and the training of Moroccan officers that drew praise. The ability of law enforcement to manage high-pressure situations while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor is a major asset for Morocco. Exchanges between FBI agents and national security officials provided an opportunity to assess emergency evacuation protocols and the management of security perimeters—areas in which Morocco has developed expertise recognized at both Mediterranean and African levels.
This FBI visit during AFCON 2025 foreshadows even closer collaboration ahead of the 2030 World Cup. By drawing inspiration from Moroccan methods while sharing their own, the United States and Morocco are strengthening a strategic security axis. For the Kingdom, this American recognition confirms that the success of a competition is measured not only by the scoreline, but also by the serenity and protection afforded to every spectator, turning the stadium into a sanctuary of celebration and peace.