When a Nation Chooses Football Over Homework: Morocco Delays Exams for AFCON Final
16 January 2026
A national decision before the final
Twenty-two years of waiting have forced the Moroccan government to take an extraordinary step: delaying exams so students can watch the AFCON final against Senegal.
The Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports announced on Friday that assessments scheduled for Monday, January 19, were postponed to allow the final to be followed in peace, reflecting the public enthusiasm surrounding this continental event.
In its statement, the ministry said the measure seeks to balance the academic year with exceptional circumstances and the national priority of the Atlas Lions' journey to the final.
According to the decision, exams will be postponed by 24 hours to Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 January.
Former youth and sports minister Mohammed Ouzine publicly urged the move, noting that younger generations have rarely experienced such a powerful national sports moment.
Morocco are reaching the AFCON final for the first time since 2004, a fact that intensifies the showcase against Senegal and elevates the match to a national event.
Stadium Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat is expected to host the final, with tickets nearly sold out and black-market prices rising amid unprecedented fan frenzy.
The team’s historic run has filled the country with pride as fans prepare for a moment of unity and celebration.
Two light-hearted notes follow: the schooling system has learned to forecast the home advantage of football, and homework may finally get some overtime.
If education and sport can share the spotlight, perhaps the next lesson is how to defend a 1-0 lead with a straight face.
PUNCHLINES: If exams are postponed for football, expect a pop quiz on why the referee wore green; the real test now is whether the curriculum can survive an encore performance of extra time.
