A delegation of officials from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently attending the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to observe security operations. Their visit is part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The FBI team is in Morocco from January 4th to 6th, 2026. Their goal is to study the security measures in place for the continental football tournament. Special attention is being paid to how local authorities manage large-scale international sporting events.
According to sources, the agents are focusing on several key areas. These include crowd control procedures, the screening of fans at stadium entries, and how Moroccan police coordinate with other international security forces. The use of modern technology, such as surveillance drones and advanced CCTV camera systems, is also a primary point of study.
The agents’ mission will include monitoring specific match venues. Notably, they are scheduled to observe the highly anticipated group-stage match between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo tonight. This will provide a practical case study of security under a high stakes, high attendance scenario.
The insights gained from this visit will directly inform planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. aims to implement a robust and efficient security framework, drawing on proven methods from around the world. The collaboration highlights the global effort required to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the world’s largest sporting events.
