Morocco races ahead with AFCON 2025 preparations: Spotlight on Tangier Stadium

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Uganda’s AFCON 2025 fixtures

December 23

Tunisia v Uganda (Annex)

December 27

Uganda v Tanzania (El Barid)

December 30

Nigeria v Uganda (Fes)

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Construction works are a common sight in almost all major cities in Morocco.

In a bid to raise standards and provide football fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience during the 2025 Africa Nations Cup, there is construction and reconstruction of roads, bridges, public utilities and stadiums throughout the North African country.

Let me put it this way. No detail is being overlooked as Morocco prepares to organise Africa’s premier competition, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Africa Cup of Nations is more than a football tournament. For the host nation, it’s a catalyst for significant economic growth following investments in infrastructural developments. For the visiting teams and fans, it’s an opportunity to embrace an entirely different world of experiences.

Almost on a daily, high-level strategic meetings are held to assess and expedite construction works in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir.

Since I arrived here for a pre-AFCON assessment tour on the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, I have been privileged to visit and experience the country’s speed train system, a couple of airports, team hotels and stadiums.

The stadium’s lead architect, Chamri Saloua, said Tangier features elements of modern architecture deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and international traditions

All the major airports have been rehabilitated and expanded to accommodate thousands of visitors. Bus and rail networks between host cities have been improved to facilitate internal travel for fans in the near future.

The primary train service between Casablanca and Tangier is the Al Boraq high-speed train. This modern service takes about 2 hours to travel between the two cities, with stops in Rabat and Kenitra.

One of the best means of inter-city transportation is by train. Trailers are safe, fast and comfortable. The high-speed rail links Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca. Fans will find the entire system appealing.

Airports rehabilitated

Besides Morocco’s largest airport, the Mohammed V International Airport, in Casablanca, airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are being rehabilitated to a tune of $2.5 billion (sh8 Trillion).

There are no direct flights from Entebbe to Morocco. Travelling Cranes fans must plan for connecting flights with stopovers either in Dubai, Doha, Istanbul or Addis Ababa. A return flight ticket will cost between sh5m and sh9m.

Stadium upgrades, focus on Tangier Stadium

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) states that a country needs six stadiums to be able to host the Africa Cup of Nations.

Additionally, each team needs its own base camp training site, as well as a training site.

While weighing hosts for the 2025 edition, CAF considered Morocco the outright favourites. Why? The North African country had more than was required.

From its rich menu of cities and stadia, CAF selected six cities (Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier) and nine stadiums (Ibn Batouta Stadium (Tangier), Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat), Mohammed V Stadium (Casablanca), Adrar Stadium (Agadir), Marrakesh Stadium (Marrakesh), Fez Stadium (Fez), Moulay Hassan Stadium (Rabat), Al Barid Stadium (Rabat) and Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium (Rabat).

This particular report will look at Tangier.

Fans will find Tangier easier to connect through and worth a visit during AFCON. Rabat and Casablanca in just a couple of hours. Its stadium will host matches involving DR Congo, Benin, Botswana, and Ivory Coast.

Tangier has always been a passageway between Europe and Africa, as it is located where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. Fans will get an opportunity to visit the Medina, Kasbah Museum and the newly built stadium of Tangiers.

Its stadium has been transformed into the famous Maraca - Brazil's treasured football facility.

The stadium’s athletics track was removed, expanding the lower stands, and adding a high-tech new roof that was constructed in two months using hybrid materials.

The stadium’s seating arrangements (which are now closer to the pitch for a more intimate atmosphere and better sightlines) have been enhanced, dressing rooms, media tribune and hospitality facilities upgraded, and expanded VIP lounges.

According to one of the stadium’s lead architects, Chamri Saloua, Tangier features elements of modern architecture deeply rooted in Moroccan culture and international traditions.

“We are proud as architects of the stadium. I am personally proud. It is a big project. I am sure the football fans will find the stadium exciting. We have given this our best, and we believe that by the time it's ready, every Moroccan will be proud,” she stated.

Tangier’s reconstruction will cost $360m (sh1.3 trillion).

Omar Khyari, the Advisor to the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, says the facility, which will be ready in September, fits into the global vision of King Mohammed VI.

“This is in light of the vision of our King, his Majesty King Mohammed VI. This entire project is interconnected in Tangier. We have the high-speed train that will connect us to Rabat, where we will also have a new stadium, to Casablanca, where we will have the biggest stadium in the World (the Hassan II stadium).

“We feel we are more than ready for AFCON. We urge all our brothers and sisters in Africa to join us for the biggest football party ever,” stated Khyari.

The city is served by the Tangier Ibn Batouta International Airport, which connects to major African and international destinations.

Accommodation in Tangier caters to all preferences, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hotels.