AFCON 2025 in Morocco – A Historic Opportunity for Tourism
Introduction
From December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. This major continental event will bring together 24 national teams and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, transforming the kingdom into the epicenter of African football for one month.
The Six Competition Stadiums
Morocco has mobilized six modern stadiums strategically distributed:
Casablanca – Mohammed V Stadium. The economic heart of the country, accessible via Mohammed V International Airport.
Rabat – Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex. The administrative capital, ideal for official delegations and media.
Marrakech – Marrakech Stadium. The tourist pearl combining football and exceptional cultural heritage.
Agadir – Agadir Stadium. The seaside resort offering beachside relaxation between matches.
Fès – Fès Sports Complex. The spiritual capital with its UNESCO-listed historic medina.
Tangier – Ibn Batouta Stadium. The gateway to Africa, strategically positioned in the north.
Expected Tourism Impact
Visitor Influx
Estimates forecast 500,000 to 1 million visitors including:
- Supporters of the 24 qualified teams
- Official delegations (FIFA, CAF, federations)
- Thousands of accredited journalists
- Sponsors and commercial partners
- Tourists taking advantage of the event
Inter-City Travel
The geographical distribution will create significant flows:
- Casablanca ↔ Rabat (90 km)
- Marrakech ↔ Casablanca (240 km)
- Agadir ↔ Marrakech (250 km)
This configuration will require reliable transportation solutions for thousands of daily trips.
Economic Opportunities
Hotel Sector
- Occupancy rates: 85-95% in host cities
- Advance bookings already underway
Transportation Sector
Exceptional demand for:
- Airport transfers
- Inter-city travel for supporters
- VIP transport for delegations and sponsors
- Multilingual services (French, English, Arabic)
Challenges and Expected Standards
International visitors will require:
- Absolute punctuality
- Professional multilingual communication
- International service quality
- 24/7 availability
Beyond Football
Global Visibility
- 2+ billion cumulative viewers worldwide
- Coverage in 190+ countries
- 4-week exposure of Moroccan infrastructure
2030 Preparation
AFCON 2025 serves as a dress rehearsal before the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
Visitor Recommendations
Planning Ahead:
- Book accommodations and transport in advance
- Choose professional services with trilingual chauffeurs
- Plan travel between host cities
Must Discover:
- Historic medinas (Fès, Marrakech)
- UNESCO sites
- Moroccan gastronomy
- Legendary hospitality
Conclusion
AFCON 2025 is a unique opportunity for Morocco to demonstrate its continental hosting capacity and sustainably boost its tourism. For visitors, it’s the chance to experience a memorable football event in a country offering cultural diversity and modern infrastructure.
