Nuclear security training held at the at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be held today. (Photo: Morocco Ministry of Interior)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has provided support to Morocco in implementing nuclear security measures for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament, which concludes today in the capital Rabat after nearly a month of matches across the country.

The scale of the AFCON tournament, held from 21 December to 18 January, required enhanced security measures to protect the hundreds of thousands of spectators in attendance. Morocco requested the IAEA's support to help ensure that nuclear and other radioactive material could not be used to target the event, including through a review and strengthening of existing security arrangements.

Large gatherings of people present unique security challenges, particularly in preventing the misuse of nuclear and other radioactive material. Since 2004 the IAEA has supported 49 countries to enhance nuclear security at 88 major public events, providing specialized training, technical guidance and equipment.

In preparation for this year's event, the Agency first conducted an expert mission to Rabat in June to review Morocco's nuclear security arrangements. This was followed up by training on equipment operation, testing and maintenance for Moroccan officials provided at the IAEA Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre, the world's first international training centre dedicated to enhancing global nuclear security.

This work reflects a broader effort by the IAEA to help countries hosting large-scale sporting events strengthen their nuclear security. The Agency is currently supporting Mexico as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Canada and the United States this summer, ensuring robust nuclear security measures are in place for one of the world's largest sporting events.

The Agency's expertise is not limited to football. In 2025, for the first time, the Agency provided its nuclear security expertise to a Formula 1 Grand Prix, supporting Azerbaijan in protecting race participants and spectators against any potential threats involving nuclear and other radioactive material at the Baku event.

"The IAEA is committed to helping countries to stay vigilant and implement nuclear security measures during popular events," said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. "Our collaboration with Morocco builds on years of experience supporting African nations in hosting AFCON in a secure environment for football teams and fans."

To further strengthen Morocco's capabilities, the IAEA also loaned radiation detection equipment for use at the AFCON matches and during exercises conducted by Moroccan authorities in October in Rabat and Marrakech, where nuclear security scenarios were planned with IAEA participation.

"The IAEA's technical support during this competition helped strengthen our national nuclear safety and security capabilities and contributed to the sporting event taking place in a safe environment for fans, teams, and all participants," said Bouchaib Fikri, the national focal point responsible for coordinating IAEA-Morocco assistance during 2025 AFCON. "This cooperation illustrates Morocco's commitment to nuclear security."

These measures are part of the IAEA's broader mandate to help countries prevent, detect and respond to nuclear security threats, ensuring that the public remains safe.