As the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 officially begins, all eyes are now on what the Kingdom has done to make this edition both exceptional and successful.
From major stadium renovations and upgraded transport networks to enhanced medical readiness and modern public facilities, Morocco has strengthened infrastructure and services across all six host cities to ensure a smooth and safe AFCON 2025.
Here’s a look at what each host city has done to prepare for AFCON 2025:
Rabat:
Rabat has the biggest share of AFCON 2025 stadiums, with four venues selected to host games during the competition.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with a capacity of 68,700, was upgraded between 2023 and 2025, including the pitch, stands, lighting, sound, media facilities, training areas, an indoor arena, and 5,200 underground parking spaces, all meeting AFCON and FIFA standards.
The Olympic Stadium Annex Prince Abdullah Sports Complex, with a capacity of 21,000, was completed in nine months and opened in May 2025 for the competition.
The Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with a capacity of 22,000, was rebuilt without an athletics track, bringing fans closer.
Al Barid Stadium, with a capacity of 18,000, has also been renovated with new equipment and improvements to the ground and surrounding areas.
Access points were improved, traffic and pedestrian flow were made easier, and an underground parking lot was added to handle crowds during events.
To support smooth fan movement during AFCON 2025, ONCF opened the new Rabat Riad station in Hay Riad district.
Construction began in February 2024 and progressed rapidly in the past days to make it ready for the tournament and handle the expected increase in fan traffic.
Rabat has also installed over 10 smart, timed public toilets ahead of AFCON 2025, funded at around 20 million MAD, with plans to expand them across streets hosting fans.
The city will also host a fan zone at Esplanade OLM Souissi, open daily from 12:00 to 1:00 with a FAN ID, providing a safe and lively space for supporters to celebrate and follow the tournament.
Fes:
The Grand Stadium, which now seats 35,000, completed its first phase of renovations in June 2025 after 13 months of work.
Upgrades included modernizing infrastructure, removing the running track for better visibility, installing 500 surveillance cameras, renovating locker rooms and media areas, laying a high-quality natural grass pitch, and improving seating, lighting, and sound systems.
The city also strengthened its medical readiness, with hospitals, emergency units, mobile teams prepared, epidemic monitoring systems prepared, in addition to rapid response units deployed inside and around the stadium.
Urban transport was upgraded with more than 80 new modern buses to improve mobility for fans and residents.
To ensure smooth circulation and a safe environment for visitors, key urban infrastructure projects were completed, including reinforced and expanded roadways, improved sidewalks and curbs, upgraded drainage, optimized traffic signage, lighting, and nearby sports fields.
Fes will also feature a fan zone at Jardin Botanique, open daily from 12:00 to 1:00 with a FAN ID.
Casablanca:
The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca underwent a 16-month renovation starting in 2023 to prepare for AFCON 2025.
The work included modernizing the pitch, locker rooms, circulation areas, sound and lighting systems, and seating for a 45,000-capacity venue.
Surrounding streets, parking, gardens, and a sports museum were also improved. The stadium will host eight matches, including group-stage games and a placement match before the semifinals.
Casablanca has also installed free smart public toilets in key areas, equipped with ventilation, fire detectors, cameras, lighting, and accessible facilities, with daily cleaning to enhance urban services for fans.
A fan zone will be set up at Anfa Park and Espace Toro, open daily from 12:00 to 1:00 with a FAN ID, to provide a safe space for supporters to follow the tournament.
Agadir:
Preparations for AFCON 2025 in Agadir have also focused on upgrading the Grand Stadium d’Agadir and its surrounding areas.
The stadium, with a capacity of 41,144, includes a fully renewed main pitch and training fields, renovated locker rooms, and upgraded technical systems.
Parking capacity was expanded from 2,600 to 4,100 spaces, and outer security and ticketing areas were reinforced to handle large crowds.
According to local media, the city also launched a 33.6 million MAD festive lighting project, including decorative installations inspired by national and football symbols and LED lighting along city walls.
The area around the stadium has been upgraded with new drainage and civil works, irrigation using treated wastewater, smart public lighting, more green spaces, improved road access, and extra parking.
To boost tourism and fan mobility, Agadir added two new double-decker sightseeing buses, offering panoramic city tours for visitors and residents during the tournament.
The city will also host a fan zone at La Marina, open daily from 12:00 to 1:00 with a FAN ID.
Marrakech:
The Grand Stade de Marrakech, with a capacity of 41,245, underwent major renovations as well, which began in early 2024 and were completed in June 2025.
Works included upgrading the pitch, locker rooms, media areas, and internal facilities.
Grandstand seating was widened, and the stadium added a 180-seat panoramic restaurant, seven VIP lounges, 15 skyboxes, and 77 turnstiles for better access, all meeting CAF and FIFA standards.
Surrounding roads and infrastructure were improved, with road widening, sidewalk enhancements, and public space development.
They improved the green spaces, main roads to the stadium, and surrounding infrastructure, including signage, relocated water networks, patterned sidewalks, public squares, and bike parking.
The city also installed smart public toilets near key areas, including the stadium, equipped with self-cleaning, vandal-resistant systems, and smart water and energy management for fans.
Marrakech will also host a fan zone at Bab Doukkala.
Tangier:
The Grand Stade de Tanger also underwent major renovations, including a 55,000 m2 roof and upgraded interiors, with a total investment of around USD 360 million.
The stadium now has a capacity of 75,000, a FIFA-standard 105 × 68 m natural pitch, closer seating for a more immersive experience, and a monumental hybrid metal-and-cable structure, the second largest in the world after Rio’s Maracana.
The city launched a new fleet of smart urban buses with cameras, internet access, and improved seating to enhance mobility for fans and residents.
Tangier will host a fan zone at Villa Harris Park.
At the national level:
Morocco focused on improving airports, strengthening security, and coordinating logistics across all host cities.
In the tourism sector, efforts focused on boosting hotel capacity, not only in the cities hosting the event, but also at the national level, training staff, and ensuring a seamless, high-quality service.
For example, the Regional Tourism Council and the Regional Hotel Association launched an intensive training program for hospitality professionals covering customer service, security, housekeeping, and hygiene, among others, to provide visitors and delegations with a warm, professional, and world-class experience.
Work also focused on improving air connectivity through new international and domestic routes, and diversifying entertainment options.
At airports, preparations focused on creating a festive atmosphere and handling the expected influx of fans. Arrival areas were decorated with AFCON-themed installations, LED screens, and welcome signs.
Reception areas were equipped, multilingual support teams deployed, and modern monitoring systems installed.
Infrastructure and passenger flow were improved, with close coordination between airport authorities, police, and customs to ensure a smooth and safe experience for arriving supporters
Specially designed fan zones have been set up to allow fans to follow matches live. This is part of a nationwide initiative by Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) under the theme “Welcome Football, Welcome Fans.”
To ensure smooth broadcasting during AFCON 2025, preparations have also focused on TV production, with SNRT, through its sports channel Arryadia, managing coverage at Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat’s Moulay Hassan and Al Barid stadiums.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be produced under an international director, Laurent Lachen, and Fes and Agadir matches will be produced by foreign companies in coordination with SNRT.
For safe and secure AFCON 2025 matches, Morocco has strengthened security across all six host cities.
Smart surveillance systems, including facial recognition cameras, have been installed, and mounted police units alongside specialized support teams are deployed to manage crowds.
Security personnel have also received training in crowd management, human rights, and multilingual communication to assist fans effectively.
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