Where Ancient Medinas Meet Modern Stadiums – The Continent’s Crown Jewel Awaits.
As a football historian, it is a thrill to witness the African Cup of Nations return to a kingdom that has become a continental football fortress. Morocco has hosted the AFCON finals only once before, in 1988. That tournament, won by Cameroon, was a different era—a 8-team event where the host nation’s Lions, led by the legendary Badou Zaki, were gallant runners-up, falling just short in the final.
Their hosting legacy, however, is profoundly modern. Since 1988, Morocco has transformed, not least its national team. From 1970s pioneers to 2022 World Cup history-makers, their fourth-place finish in Qatar cemented their status as a global football force. This prowess is built on a state-of-the-art domestic infrastructure that makes hosting 2025’s 24-team extravaganza uniquely feasible.
What has changed? Everything. The Morocco of 2025 is a hosting powerhouse:
Infrastructure: A seamless network of World-class, FIFA-rated stadiums—from Casablanca’s 80,000-seat jewel to intimate, atmospheric venues in Agadir, Tangier, and Marrakech. They are linked by Africa’s first high-speed rail (Al Boraq), making multi-city travel for fans effortles
Fan Engagement: Expect a festival where football meets culture. Fan zones will blend live screenings with Gnawa music and culinary journeys from couscous to street-food stalls. The compact geography ensures fans can experience both thrilling matches and the magic of Djemaa el-Fna square in the same trip.
Broadcasting: Building on its role as a continental media hub, Morocco will deploy cutting-edge 4K/8K broadcasts, leveraging the same technology that wowed the world during the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup and beyond. The narrative will be beamed globally with a sophistication that elevates the entire tournament’s prestige.
What makes it easier for Morocco to host alone? It’s the perfect confluence of readiness and experience. Unlike nations requiring last-minute construction, Morocco’s venues, transport, and hotels are operational and proven. It is a safe, tourist-ready nation accustomed to mega-events (FIFA World Cup bid, COP, etc.), with a political will that sees football as soft power. They are not building from scratch; they are refining a masterpiece.
In 2025, Morocco doesn’t just host a tournament; it offers a seamless, elevated experience. It’s the confident roar of the Atlas Lions, inviting Africa to celebrate its beautiful game in a kingdom where football history is not just remembered, but actively being made.