AFCON 2025 Countdown: Morocco ready to welcome the rest of Africa

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is around the corner and the atmosphere around the continent is reaching fever pitch as we build up to the grand football extravaganza.

Starting today (30 Days to kickoff), Kawowo Sports will bring you all the history, updates and news ahead of the 35th edition of AFCON slated to take place in Morocco from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026.

For the first time in 37 years, Morocco will be hosting the coveted tournament, this time comprising 24 nations, and the country has expressed its readiness across all aspects; stadia, training facilities, transport, security and hospitality services, among others.

In this article, Joel Muyita reveals the massive work the Royal Kingdom of Morocco has done to prepare for the biennial competition.

Host Cities

AFCON 2025 will be played across six cities in Morocco, including the capital Rabat, Casablanca, Tanger, Fes and Agadir.

Fes

Fez or Fes is a city in northern inland Morocco and the capital of the Fez-Meknes administrative region. It is one of the largest cities in Morocco, with a population of 1.256 million, according to the 2024 census.

It is located to the northwest of the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by hills, and the old city is centred around the Fez River (Oued Fes), flowing from west to east. Fez has been called the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa”. It is also considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Rabat

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and the country’s seventh-largest city with an urban population of approximately 580,000 and a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million.

Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, opposite Salé, the city’s main commuter town.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the country’s economic and business centre. It is Located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia plain in the central-western part of Morocco, the city has a population of about 3.22 million in the urban area, and over 4.27 million in Greater Casablanca, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb region, and the ninth-largest in the Arab world.

Agadir

Agadir is a major city in Morocco, on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean, and 509 kilometres south of Casablanca. Agadir is the capital of the Souss-Massa economic region.

Tanger

Tangier is a city in northwestern Morocco, on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The city is the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, as well as the Tangier-Assilah Prefecture of Morocco.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh or Marrakech is the fourth-largest city in Morocco. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region. The city lies west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Stadia

Morocco has earmarked 9 stadiums that will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations across the six cities mentioned above.

Adrar Stadium (Grand Stade d’Agadir)

It is a multi-use stadium in Agadir, in the Souss-Massa region, near the Atlas Mountains, and is used as a home venue by the local football team, Hassania Agadir.

The stadium’s first plan was to be a host venue as part of Morocco’s bid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was instead awarded to Germany. Then, the project was put on hold and resumed in 2007 for Morocco’s failed bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when in 2010, South Africa was awarded the tournament as the host, and plans for the stadium were paused. The project was resumed in 2009 and finally completed on 11 October 2013.

It has a seating capacity of 45,000 spectators.

Stade Mohammed V

Named after King Mohammed V, the stadium is also multi-purpose, situated at the heart of Casablanca, Morocco, in the western part of the Maârif neighbourhood. The stadium has a seating capacity of 45,000, and it is the oldest football stadium in Morocco.

Fez Stadium

It is located within the Fez Sports Complex with a capacity of 45,000 fans. There have been upgrades to the stadium which are part of a broader urban renewal in Fez, involving new transportation links, increased hotel capacity, and improved digital infrastructure, further enhancing the city’s profile as an international sports destination.

Marrakesh Stadium

With a capacity of 45,240, the Marrakesh Stadium has previously hosted the 2014 IAAF Continental Cup, four games, including the final in the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2014 African Championships in Athletics.

It will be one of the venues for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It is one of the potential venues for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host along with Portugal and Spain.

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah is a football stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with a seating capacity of 69,500. Opened on September 5, 2025, it is the home stadium of the Moroccan national football team.

It is part of a larger sports complex that includes an athletics track and field stadium, the indoor Salle Moulay Abdellah arena, and an Olympic swimming pool.

The stadium will host both the opening and closing games of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Moulay El-Hassan Stadium

It is located in the area of El Youssoufia, Rabat, Morocco, which has been the home of FUS Rabat since 2012. The stadium has a seating capacity of 22,000.

The Rabat Olympic Stadium

It is a multi-purpose stadium within the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, located seven kilometres from the centre of Rabat. With a total capacity of 21,000 seats, the stadium was built in nine months.

Al Medina Stadium (Al Barid Stadium)

This is a football stadium located in the city of Rabat, Morocco. It is the home stadium of UTS Rabat. The stadium is built to FIFA specifications with a total capacity of 18,000.

Ibn Batouta Stadium (Grand Stade de Tangier)

Named after Moroccan scholar and explorer Ibn Battuta, this is a multi-use stadium in Tangier, Morocco. It is used mostly for football matches and big events such as ceremonies or concerts. The stadium now has a legal capacity of 75,000 after renovation construction finished for hosting the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, making it the biggest stadium in Morocco.

Team Hotels

Each of the 24 participating teams has been allocated its own hotel and training ground during their stay in Morocco.

Below is the allocation of team hotels

Rabat

The capital city and Salé will host eight national teams in venues that combine prestige, history, and modern luxury.

Morocco: Mohammed VI Football Complex (Salé) – The federation’s crown jewel, a hyper-modern center of excellence in which the Lions will be at home.

Algeria: Amphitrite Palace Beach Hotel (Skhirat) – A strategic seaside choice, combining luxury and tranquillity.

Tunisia: Conrad Rabat Arzana – A luxury resort offering stunning Atlantic views and 5-star services.

DR Congo: The Ritz-Carlton Rabat – The signature elegance and refinement of a world-renowned brand.

Uganda: The View Hotel – A contemporary design and a panoramic city view for a unique experience.

Tanzania: Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses – An iconic palace set in the heart of a lush Andalusian garden.

Benin: Rabat Marriott Hotel – Modern comfort and service excellence in the heart of the Agdal district.

Botswana: Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé – A spectacular setting at the mouth of the Bouregreg River.

Casablanca

The economic metropolis will host 6 teams in upscale urban hotels, close to all amenities.

Mali: Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche – An iconic tower offering unparalleled luxury with views of the Hassan II Mosque.

Zambia: Le Casablanca Hotel – An establishment renowned for its elegance and exclusive atmosphere.

Comoros: Barceló Anfa Casablanca – Avant-garde design and modern comfort in the city center.

Burkina Faso: Marriott Courtyard Casablanca – A new and strategic option focused on efficiency and comfort.

Equatorial Guinea: Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca City Center – Ideally located for a controlled urban immersion.

Sudan: Casablanca Marriott Hotel – Another heavyweight in luxury hospitality in the heart of the city.

Marrakech

The “Ochre City,” famous for its legendary palaces, will welcome 4 teams in enchanting settings.

South Africa: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech – A luxurious haven of peace with lush gardens.

Angola: Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech – A spectacular estate at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, synonymous with exclusivity.

Zimbabwe: Selman Marrakech – A unique palace celebrated for its Arabian thoroughbreds and intimate setting.

Côte d’Ivoire: Park Hyatt Marrakech – One of the city’s newest jewels, blending contemporary luxury with Moroccan craftsmanship.

Agadir

The country’s premier seaside resort area will host 4 teams in its Taghazout Bay resorts, perfect for focus and recovery.

Egypt: Fairmont Taghazout Bay – A luxury beachfront resort offering serenity and sports facilities.

Gabon: Hyatt Regency Taghazout – A 5-star experience with direct beach access and a magnificent golf course.

Cameroon: Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay – The comfort and modernity of the Hyatt brand with a breathtaking view.

Mozambique: Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa – An ideal setting to combine intensive preparation and relaxation.

Tangier & Fes:

The final two host cities will welcome the remaining teams.

Senegal (in Tangier): Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier – A fully renovated historic palace overlooking the “White City” from its hilltop perch.

Nigeria (in Fes): Hotel Sahrai – A chic, contemporary design with a panoramic view of the ancient Fes medina.