The Africa Cup of Nations opens Sunday night at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat with an opening ceremony followed by the host nation’s Group A match against Comoros, as organizers push early arrival, digital ticket checks and citywide fan parks to manage crowds and extend viewing beyond the stadium.
When to arrive and what time things start
Organizers set stadium gates to open at 2 p.m. local time, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Kickoff for Morocco vs Comoros is set for 8 p.m.
The venue sits about seven kilometers from central Rabat and has a capacity of 68,095 seats, according to CAF.
Tickets, demand, and what you need at the gate
CAF says 298,000 tickets were sold in the first two sales phases across 33 African countries and 106 countries worldwide.
For the opener, CAF’s ticketing platform lists “Phase 3 sold out” for Morocco vs Comoros, without publishing a match specific ticket count.
Ticket prices for the opener were listed from 150 dirhams, with Moroccan outlets citing category prices of 150, 300 and 500 dirhams at the start of sales.
Organizers and Moroccan media also say stadium entry is tied to presenting a valid ticket and a FAN ID generated through the Yalla platform.
Opening ceremony performances
Moroccan singer Jaylann, French Moroccan artist Lartiste and Beninese star Angélique Kidjo are expected to perform the tournament’s official song as part of the ceremony, Moroccan media reported.
Where to watch if you are not going to the stadium
CAF has published eight official fan parks across host cities, including two in the Rabat area: Esplanade OLM Souissi and Salé Bab El Mrissa, plus sites in Casablanca, Agadir, Fès, Marrakech and Tanger.
CAF said fan park opening times vary by match slots, with parks opening at 11 a.m. on days with 1:30 p.m. matches and at noon on days with 5 p.m. matches, and programming built around live screenings and entertainment. Confédération Africaine de Football reported official fan zones are expected to operate into the night, with some sites planned from noon to 1 a.m., with access tied to the FAN ID.
Getting there and managing flows
ONCF has announced an exceptional transport plan tied to match schedules, including special stops at the new Rabat Riad station near the stadium and shuttle links between Rabat Agdal and Rabat Riad, including a digital pass priced at 50 dirhams offering a 30 percent discount on train travel during the tournament period.
Security rules and prohibited items
Organizers and local media have warned that entry checks will be strict, including a list of banned items that includes fireworks, lasers, weapons, sharp objects including glass, alcohol and drugs, oversized bags, vuvuzelas or horns, confetti, and large umbrellas and strollers.
Judicial offices have been set up at stadiums to speed up processing of minor offenses during the tournament.
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