While some Algerian media outlets continue to cast doubt on Morocco's ability to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Algerian national team captain Riyad Mahrez has praised Morocco's infrastructure. In an interview on the YouTube channel «Carré», Mahrez expressed confidence in Morocco's preparations, stating: «Morocco is a neighboring country with similar conditions to ours. The facilities will be excellent. The stadiums and pitches are in great shape. That's reassuring. I hope this Africa Cup will be a great tournament and that we make it to the final». He added, «If we qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, this will be my last Africa Cup with Algeria». Algeria has been drawn into Group E, alongside Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. Despite Mahrez's optimistic remarks, Algerian media have largely ignored his comments, continuing to claim that Algeria is better suited to host the tournament, citing its «readiness» compared to what they characterize as Morocco's «lack of preparedness».
