Photo: FBI agents at the Algeria-DRC match
By Ihechi Enyinnaya
It has now been revealed why agents of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were present at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match.
They were first spotted at the match between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Morocco.
Daily Review Online gathered that this was part of a security assessment mission. Particularly, at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the FBI’s security assessment focused on how Morocco secures large football crowds and manages technology-driven surveillance—insights that are useful for planning security at the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.
According to reports, the FBI delegation arrived in Morocco on January 4 to observe and study security arrangements at the tournament. The team also attended Morocco’s group-stage match against Tanzania and worked closely with local authorities to understand crowd control, surveillance systems, drone usage, and coordination through command centres.
The delegation was led by Douglas Olsan, Director of Operations at the FBI’s Field Intervention Services Division, and Kevin Kowalski, Deputy Director of the Emergency Response Group. Their visit also included engagements with the African Security Cooperation Center, which coordinates security efforts for major events in the region.
The mission is believed to be part of the FBI’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. The agents are studying Morocco’s security model, widely regarded as effective in managing large-scale international sporting events.