The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 clash between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat, Morocco, featured unexpected spectators from the United States. Fans and observers noted the presence of officials from the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Dramatic Match Sees Algeria Advance to Face Nigeria
The match itself was a tense affair, with the Desert Foxes of Algeria locking horns with the Leopards of DR Congo. The game seemed destined for a penalty shootout until Algerian player Adil Boulbina scored a dramatic winner in the 119th minute. This victory propelled Algeria into the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Nigeria's Super Eagles, who had earlier demolished Mozambique 4-0. This upcoming match pits the tournament's best defence (Algeria) against its most potent attack (Nigeria).
Why Were FBI Agents at an AFCON Match?
The appearance of FBI personnel was not a random occurrence. According to reports, this was the second AFCON 2025 match monitored by the US agents, who were also seen during Morocco's 1-0 victory over Tanzania. The team, led by Douglas Olsan, Director of Operations for the Field Intervention Services Division, and Kevin Kowalski, Deputy Director of the Emergency Response Group, were on a specific mission in Morocco from January 4 to 6, 2026.
Their primary objective was an information-gathering expedition. With the United States set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the FBI delegation was in Morocco to study and learn from the North African nation's security and public safety model for major sporting events. This visit is part of broader US preparations following its hosting of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which served as a pilot event.
Learning Morocco's Security Blueprint
During their mission, the FBI agents focused on several key areas of Morocco's security apparatus for AFCON 2025. Their learning points included:
- Security monitoring using advanced visual surveillance systems, drones, and high-resolution cameras.
- Observing communication and electronic coordination between security units at both fixed and mobile command centres.
- Visiting the African Security Cooperation Centre, which links Morocco's security interests with the participating teams at the tournament.
This intelligence-gathering is crucial for the US as it continues to monitor major global events to ensure a safe and secure environment for the 2026 World Cup, especially amid noted domestic tensions.
Background of Security Concerns
The FBI's proactive learning mission comes against a backdrop of previous security-related petitions. Legit.ng had earlier reported that FIFA received 145 petitions concerning human rights abuses by US security forces during the 2025 Club World Cup. Despite assurances from the US government that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would not be present in stadiums, fans reported otherwise. This history likely underscores the FBI's current efforts to refine its approach for the much larger 2026 World Cup.
As the football world turns its eyes to the thrilling AFCON 2025 quarter-finals, the presence of the FBI in Rabat highlights the extensive, behind-the-scenes security preparations already underway for the next global football showcase in 2026.
