Which Stadiums Will Host the 2025 African Cup of Nations?
by Joseph King | by Cydias Aujard
Morocco first time hosting since 1988
The start of the 2025 African Cup of Nations is right around the corner and is set to kick off on 21 December. This edition marks the first time that the AFCON will be played over the Christmas and New Year period.
It also marks only the second time that Morocco has hosted the competition and the first since 1988, when they finished fourth. The reality for 2025 is that anything other than lifting the AFCON trophy would be seen as a disappointment. The Atlas Lions come in as heavy favourites and sport the current highest FIFA ranking of an African nation at 11th.
Somewhat surprisingly, Morocco has only triumphed once in this competition, all the way back in 1976.
2025 AFCON venues
There are a total of 9 venues across 6 different cities that will host matches for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco. Check them out below:
Stade Mohammed V
City: Casablanca
Capacity: 67,000
The oldest football stadium in Morocco and the fifth-oldest in all of Africa, Casablanca’s Stade Mohammed V was constructed in 1955. It is home to some of the country’s biggest clubs in Moroccan top division sides Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca. Recent expansion has lifted the maximum capacity to 67,000.
Key fixtures:
- Round of 16: 2A vs 2C - 03 January
- Third place match: L49 vs L50 - 17 January
Grand Stade D’Agadir
City: Agadir
Capacity: 45,480
Located in the southwestern coastal city of Agadir, the Grand Stade D’Agadir was opened in 2013 after a long delay from its initial construction in 2004. With a capacity of 45,480, it’s home to Botola Pro team Hassania Union Sport d’Agadir and also serves as one of the venues for the Moroccan national team.
Key fixtures:
- Group B: Egypt vs South Africa - 26 December
- Round of 16: 1B vs 3A/C/D - 05 January
- Quarter-finals: W41 vs W44 - 10 January
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
City: Rabat
Capacity: 69,500
Hosting the 2025 AFCON’s opening match as well as the final on 18 January is the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Located in Rabat, this will host all three of Morocco's group stage matches. It's the country’s second-largest football stadium, seating 69,500, and will also play a part in the 2030 World Cup.
Key fixtures:
- Group A: Morocco vs Comoros (opening match) - 21 December
- Quarter-final: Winner 40 vs Winner 39 - 09 January
- Semi-final: Winner 47 vs Winner 46 - 14 January
- Final: Winner 49 vs Winner 50 - 18 January
Complexe Sportif de Fès
City: Fes
Capacity: 45,000
Officially opened in 2003, the Complexe Sportif de Fes is a 45,000 capacity stadium located in the northern inland city of Fes. It’s set to host four matches in the 2025 AFCON, as well as matches in the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Key fixtures:
- Group C: Nigeria vs Tunisia - 26 December
- Round of 16: 1C vs 3A/B/F - 05 January
Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan
City: Rabat
Capacity: 22,000
One of the newest stadiums on this list, the Moulay Hassan Stadium was opened just 3 months ago, hosting its first ever match on 05 September in a World Cup qualifier between Morocco and Niger. Home to FUS Rabat.
Key fixtures:
- Group E: Algeria vs Burkina Faso - 28 December
- Round of 16: 1E vs 2D
Stade Annexe Olympique Complexe
City: Rabat
Capacity: 21,000
One of four stadiums located in Rabat that will play a part in hosting this AFCON tournament, the Olympic Annex Stadium comes in at a capacity of 21,000. It’s the ‘little brother’ to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and makes up part of the larger Sports Complex in the country’s capital.
Key fixtures:
- Group C: Tanzania vs Tunisia - 30 December
Grand Stade de Marrakech
City: Marrakech
Capacity: 45,240
One of the more unique stadiums in Morocco is the Grand Stade de Marrakech, which boasts an interesting blend of designs. Four prominent towers in each corner of the structure, along with the reddish, clay color is meant to give the appearance of a fortified city. The stadium was opened in 2011 and will play host to eight matches in total in the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Key fixtures:
- Group F: Ivory Coast vs Cameroon - 28 December
- Round of 16: 1F vs 2E - 06 January
- Quarter-final: Winner 43 vs Winner 42 - 10 January
Stade Al Barid
City: Rabat
Capacity: 18,000
While the Stade Al Barid was originally built in 1970, the stadium recently underwent a massive reconstruction project that was completed just a few months ago. Now an 18,000 seater which boasts modern technology and upgraded facilities throughout. It recently hosted its first match after the renovation with Cameroon taking on DR Congo in November of 2025.
Key fixtures:
- Round of 16: 2B vs 2F - 04 January
Grand Stade de Tanger
City: Tangier
Capacity: 75,600
Located on the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, the picturesque port city of Tangier is sure to be a heavily sought-after destination for AFCON fans hoping to catch a match in person. The Tangier Grand Stadium was recently renovated to make it the largest stadium in Morocco, seating 75,600. It is set to host 6 matches in total, including 3 different knockout round fixtures.
Key fixtures:
- Group D: Senegal vs DR Congo - 27 December
- Round of 16: 1D vs 3B/E/F - 03 January
- Quarter-final: Winner 38 vs Winner 37 - 09 January
- Semi-final: Winner 45 vs Winner 48 - 14 January
