Under the FBI’s Watchful Eye: Why the Algeria–DR Congo AFCON Clash Is Being Monitored in Morocco
6 January 2026
A team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been in Morocco since the end of last week to monitor and assess the security and organizational measures approved during AFCON 2025, as part of international security cooperation linked to major event organization.
Today, Tuesday, the delegation focuses on managing and securing the Round of 16 match between Algeria and DR Congo at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, which seats over 65,000 spectators. It is among the most attended matches of this round, inside and outside the stadium.
According to the French network Radio Monte Carlo, the American delegation is following closely how the pre-match phase is managed, with a focus on welcoming and organizing the entry of foreign spectators.
America prepares for World Cup 2026
FBI agents arrived in Morocco last Sunday, led by Douglas Olson, Operations Director in the Field Services, and Kevin Kowalski, Deputy Director of the Emergency Response Team, who examined the security measures implemented during the Morocco–Tanzania match.
These measures included deployment of field units, levels of screening and monitoring, high-definition video surveillance systems, and the use of drones to secure the surroundings of stadiums and facilities.
The visit aims to collect as much field data and hands-on experience as possible in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where a similar model of international security cooperation will be adopted in line with FIFA's requirements for major events.
The security cooperation between Morocco and the United States is expected to continue in the coming years, toward the 2030 World Cup hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Punchline 1: If football were as well-secured as this briefing, the net would be a fortress—and the players would still run faster than the Wi‑Fi.
Punchline 2: With all these checks, the only thing getting offside might be my sense of humor. Don’t worry, the VAR is on it.
