Brahim Díaz: “I can’t wait to play the AFCON on home soil”

Morocco international Brahim Díaz has said that he cannot wait to play the next Africa Cup of Nations on home soil later this year. The Real Madrid attacking midfielder played an important role in Morocco’s two consecutive victories in March’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Atlas Lions’ two wins in match day five and six saw them beat Niger by 2-1 on March 21 before stopping Tanzania by 2-0 three days later to continue their perfect record in Group E.

Díaz, speaking on the tournament in December later this year, said, “Everything is shaping up well for the AFCON. We’ll be playing on home soil with our families cheering us on. It’ll be amazing,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to play the AFCON at home. The fans are behind us, and that drove us to win. We’ve got tons of quality in this team, and we’ll keep improving to be at our best for the tournament,” he added.

Morocco is billed to play two friendly matches in June where they will battle North African rivals Tunisia before playing West African side Benin just three days later at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalists are paired in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia and fast rising Comoros for the AFCON to be staged in Morocco. The tournament has been scheduled to be played between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.