A Spotlight into Stadiums for the Matches in Morocco

Three and a half decades later, AFCON returns to Morocco after its 1988 debut in the North African country.  Morocco was confirmed as the next host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that was wildly received by the football-mad population. Between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026, 24 teams from across the continent will be participating in the continental football showpiece.

Commonly known as the AFCON - an abbreviation of 'Africa Cup of Nations' - the tournament is also known as the 'CAN' or the Coupe d'Afrique des Nations in French-speaking territories within Africa and beyond. The Atlas Lions, who automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to showcase their country’s readiness to host a competition of this magnitude, especially after the feat they achieved in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Morocco has proven her capabilities in hosting world-class events with its successful hosting of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023.

Hosting AFCON would require six stadiums that must have proximity to an airport and a five-star hotel. By CAF standards, at least two of the stadiums hosting the matches should have a capacity of at least 40,000 and another two with at least 20,000 seating capacity. The North Africans seem poised to surpass the standards as they upgrade its infrastructure to be fit for the 2030 FIFA World Cup which Morocco will possibly co-host with Spain, Portugal.

Given that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Guinea of the hosting right to stage the 2025 tourney over concerns about the country’s infrastructure, and facilities coupled with the slow pace of renovation work, it is imperative to examine what Morocco has to offer which makes it the ideal destination for the 35th edition of the biennial showpiece. This will be done with respect to the stadiums picked for the matches as follows:

Even the CAF President Patrice Motsepe shares this sentiment when he declared on June 21, "I am confident that the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition.”

6. Fez Stadium, Fez

Fez Stadium completes the lineup, having hosted matches during the African Nations Championship and other regional tournaments. Built between 1994 and 2003 at a total cost of 40 million euros, this multifunctional stadium could sit 45,000 spectators.

It hosted its first official match on November 25, 2007, on the occasion of the final of the Throne Cup. Fez Stadium is currently being refurbished, whereby the athletics track will be taken out to create space that would increase the sitting capacity to 55,800. The stands will receive a football-specific layout while a new roof will be built over the auditorium.

Even before this renovation, the architectural design and details of the facility located in Morocco’s cultural capital are reminiscent of the North African country’s culture. With the extent of work being put in, the stadium is set to be even more so

5. Adrar Stadium, Agadir

Adrar Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Agadir, Morocco, that was inaugurated in 2013. It is used mostly for football matches. The modern stadium has a capacity of 45,480 seats.

It was supposed to hold the 2010 FIFA World Cup games if Morocco had been chosen to be the host country. It has hosted events such as the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding tourist attractions make it a favorite among visitors.

4. Marakech Stadium, Marrakesh

Marrakech Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 45,240. Known for its picturesque setting, it has hosted international tournaments, including the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup. Fans and teams alike will enjoy its top-notch amenities and warm, welcoming environment.

KACM use this facility, also known as the Grand Stade de Marrakech, for their home games. The construction of this facility, which is also used for athletics, lasted seven years. The first two football matches at the stadium took place on January 5, 2011. The first one was a game between Wydad and Paris Saint-Germain. The second one was a game between KAMC and Olympique Lyonnais. Both matches ended in a draw.

3. Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca

Located in Morocco's economic hub, this is the stadium where the 1988 AFCON final was played. It holds 45,891 fans. Known as the home of the legendary Wydad and Raja Casablanca clubs, it has hosted numerous international matches and remains one of Africa’s most famous football venues.

The stadium was originally built to sit 30,000 spectators but got expanded to 90,000 in the late 1970s ahead of the 1983 Mediterranean Games. At its reopening, the stadium got renamed after Mohammed V, former King of Morocco.

In the 2000s, the facility witnessed a major facelift to boost Morocco’s bid for the 2010 World Cup. Benches were replaced with seats, which reduced capacity to 67,000 seats. Another refurbishment carried out in 2016 further reduced its capacity to 45,000 seats.

2. Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

The stadium, built on the southwestern outskirts of Rabat between 1978 and 1983, was named after Prince Moulay Abdellah. With a main bowl that can sit 53,000 spectators, the iconic facility is billed to host the final of AFCON 2025.

The stadium has a long history of hosting important matches, including the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final and the FIFA Club World Cup. Its modern facilities and accessibility make it an ideal venue for high-stakes matches. This stadium is home to two main clubs of Rabat: Association Sportive des Forces Armées Royales (AS-FAR) and Fath Union Sport Football Club (FUS).

1. Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier

The Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier is the largest of the selected venues for AFCON 2025. Named after the famous Moroccan explorer, the stadium was originally delivered in 2011 when it was opened with friendly games featuring Atletico Madrid, Raja Casablanca, and Ittihad.

There was later an upgrade, which increased the capacity of the stadium by 20,000 seats to accommodate 65,000 spectators. The stands on the arches were extended to equal the height of those along the pitch between 2020 and 2023, with the additional sections completed in time for the FIFA Club World Cup played in February 2023.

Ibn Batouta Stadium has hosted significant events like the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2022 Club World Cup. Its architectural design is inspired by Moroccan culture, making it a visual and functional masterpiece. Everyday use of the facility is provided by Ittihad, who struggle to fill the ground halfway. The largest crowds gather in the southern curve, where fanatic supporters cheer for their team.

As part of its broader commitment to sports development, Morocco has invested heavily in its football infrastructure in accordance with its ambition to position itself as a global sports hub.

With some of these stadiums expected to be used for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the Moroccan government is spending a great deal of work to ensure that these venues meet international standards.

In the final analysis, AFCON 2025 promises to be a fest of African football, history, culture, and Moroccan hospitality, with these stadiums serving as the heart of the action. Football fans can look forward to world-class facilities and a memorable experience in Morocco.

Even the CAF President Patrice Motsepe shares this sentiment when he declared on June 21, "I am confident that the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition.”