The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 match between Algeria and DR Congo, which Algeria won 1-0 after extra time, was closely monitored by a delegation of FBI agents on Sunday night.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) delegation was in Morocco from January 4 to January 6, 2026, to study the country’s security architecture during AFCON 2025 as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States alongside Canada and Mexico.
During the high-stakes Algeria vs DR Congo encounter, the FBI agents observed various security and safety measures implemented by Moroccan authorities. These included crowd control strategies, stadium entry screening procedures, coordination with international and local police agencies, and emergency response readiness.
Particular attention was given to the use of advanced technology, including drone surveillance, high-definition CCTV systems, and real-time monitoring tools used to manage large crowds and detect potential threats. The agents also assessed how security teams communicated across multiple agencies during the match.
Morocco’s hosting of AFCON 2025 has been widely praised for its organization and security efficiency, making it a valuable case study for U.S. authorities as they prepare to host the world’s biggest football tournament in 2026.
Algeria’s narrow extra-time victory over DR Congo provided an intense atmosphere, offering the FBI delegation a realistic scenario to evaluate how Morocco’s security systems performed under pressure during a knockout-stage match.
