CAN 2025: Billions and Royal Pressure, No Room for Error for Regragui

The wait is commensurate with the colossal investments. Between the complete renovation of the Ibn Batouta stadium in Tangier for 340 million euros and training conditions worthy of the biggest European clubs, Morocco has gone all out, explains the newspaper L’Equipe. For Fouzi Lekjaa, the powerful president of the Federation, the message is clear: the dream is over, it’s time for demand. "We have all the potential to go and get this CAN," he says firmly, recalling the country’s 11th place in the world rankings.

The fever is already rising in the streets. Millions of Moroccans are ready to invade the country’s arteries at the slightest exploit, like the scenes of jubilation from the 2022 World Cup where even King Mohammed VI had defied protocol to celebrate the historic qualification. But playing at home changes the game: the public no longer just demands victory, it demands style.

Walid Regragui finds himself with his back against the wall. The "luxury firefighter" who had extinguished the Vahid Halilhodzic fire must now prove that he can transform his commando-style defensive block into an offensive winning machine. All eyes are on the jewel Brahim Diaz, who has become the trump card of the system, and who will have to justify his status against the physical intensity of Africa’s giants like Nigeria.

Yet, concern is seeping through the euphoria. The health status of the defensive leaders, notably Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd, is giving the staff cold sweats. As former Lion Abdeslam Ouaddou points out, without a reinforced rear guard, the dream of lifting the trophy at home could quickly collide with the harsh reality on the ground.