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Doha – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighted Morocco’s infrastructure and event-hosting capabilities in three separate articles published today, reflecting on both the nation’s 1988 AFCON hosting experience and preparations for 2025, exactly one year before the competition kicks off.
“Morocco’s readiness to host the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON is bolstered by its robust transport infrastructure, including high-speed trains, modern highways, and international airports,” CAF noted, adding that “Cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat are well-connected to global hubs, ensuring seamless travel for teams and fans.”
The articles detail six major venues expected to host the tournament. The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with its 67,000-seat capacity, is a historic venue that hosted the 1988 AFCON final and has since been upgraded to meet modern standards, regularly hosting CAF Champions League finals.
Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium, offering 53,000 seats, recently hosted the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, “an architectural marvel” with 65,000 seats, is part of Morocco’s 2030 World Cup bid.
The Adrar Stadium in Agadir (45,000 capacity) offers coastal views, while Marrakech Stadium (45,240 seats) benefits from high-speed rail connections.
Fez Stadium (35,000 capacity) completes the lineup, blending traditional charm with modern facilities.
“With its proven track record, passionate fan base, and cutting-edge facilities, Morocco is poised to deliver an unforgettable 2025 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON,” CAF stated.
Read also: CAF President Says Morocco Has ‘Set the Standard for Africa’ with Upcoming 2030 World Cup
Reflecting on the 1988 tournament, CAF described how “Morocco emerged as a strong candidate to host the AFCON. With a football-mad population, growing infrastructure, and a strategic location in North Africa, Morocco was a natural choice.”
The tournament ran from March 13 to 27, featuring eight teams in two groups, with matches played in Casablanca and Rabat. Cameroon secured their second AFCON title by defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the final at Mohammed V Stadium, with Emmanuel Kunde scoring the decisive penalty.
Roger Milla was named best player, while Joseph-Antoine Bell received the best goalkeeper award. The golden boot was shared among Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria), Roger Milla (Cameroon), Gamal Abdelhamid (Egypt), and Abdoulaye Traoré (Ivory Coast), each scoring two goals. Algeria claimed third place by defeating hosts Morocco 4-1 in the playoff.
“Morocco’s hosting of the 2018 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023 underscores its expertise in organizing world-class tournaments,” CAF emphasized, mentioning its selection as a joint host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.
The 2025 tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will feature an expanded format of 24 teams, with Morocco’s Atlas Lions entering as hosts following their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final appearance.
In terms of transportation infrastructure, CAF highlighted Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed line and extensive highway network. “Its proximity to Spain via ferry links underscores Morocco’s global connectivity,” the confederation noted regarding Tangier’s location, while praising the nation’s diverse accommodation options that “cater to every visitor’s needs.”
“The 1988 AFCON reinforced Morocco’s reputation as a capable and passionate host nation,” CAF concluded, noting that this legacy, combined with “world-class stadiums like the Mohammed V and Moulay Abdellah still standing tall,” positions Morocco to “deliver another unforgettable tournament” in 2025.
