By Ayo Kehinde
Morocco’s football infrastructure development continues to advance with the announcement of nine stadiums across six cities for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The Local Organising Committee made this declaration preceding the tournament draw, confirming the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with its 69,500 capacity, will host both the opening match and final.
The capital city of Rabat emerges as a central location with four designated venues, while the northern city of Tangier’s renovated stadium joins the list of significant locations.
The historic Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca, which previously hosted the 1988 AFCON final, receives a quarter-final allocation alongside facilities in Agadir, Fes, and Marrakech.
The tournament schedule spans from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, accommodating 24 participating teams.
This competition serves as a preliminary demonstration of Morocco’s expanding sports infrastructure before its role as the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure plans include the construction of a substantial 115,000-capacity stadium near Casablanca, scheduled for completion by 2027.
This £500 million project aims to position the facility among the world’s largest sporting venues, with aspirations to host the 2030 World Cup final.
The infrastructure enhancement programme extends beyond the immediate AFCON requirements, with plans for comprehensive stadium improvements in Agadir, Fes, and Marrakech following the tournament.
These demonstrate Morocco’s long-term commitment to sports infrastructure development.
