The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has officially announced the commissioning dates for the tournament’s stadiums, marking a major milestone in the country’s preparations to host the prestigious continental competition.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the 35th edition of AFCON after Guinea was stripped of the opportunity due to concerns over infrastructure readiness and delays in meeting CAF’s requirements. Since then, Morocco has made significant strides in ensuring that all necessary facilities meet international standards, with renovations and new constructions progressing at a rapid pace.
Official Commissioning Timeline
The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Faouzi Lekjaa, is set to oversee the first phase of the stadium commissioning on March 31, 2025. The historic Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most iconic football venues, will be the first to be officially opened.
Following Mohamed V Stadium, the LOC has scheduled subsequent inaugurations for several other venues across the country, ensuring that all host cities are ready well ahead of the tournament’s kickoff. These include:
- Marrakech Stadium
- Agadir Stadium
- Fes Stadium
- Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat)
- Tangier Stadium
The final two stadiums, Al Barid Stadium and Moulay El Hassan Stadium, are set to be commissioned in August 2025, just months before the tournament begins. These venues will serve as additional locations for group-stage and knockout matches, providing world-class facilities for both players and fans.
A Tournament of High Expectations
With Morocco’s track record of successfully hosting international sporting events, expectations are high for AFCON 2025. The North African nation has already demonstrated its capability by hosting FIFA Club World Cups, CAF Champions League finals, and other major football events. The country’s investment in infrastructure, modern stadiums, and logistical planning further underscores its ambition to deliver one of the most memorable AFCON tournaments in history.
The 2025 AFCON is set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, a scheduling decision that aligns with the global football calendar and minimizes conflicts with European domestic leagues. The timing ensures that Africa’s top footballers, many of whom play in Europe, will be available to represent their nations without significant disruption to their club commitments.
Morocco’s Commitment to Excellence
Morocco’s meticulous approach to hosting AFCON 2025 is part of its broader football development strategy. The country has consistently invested in sports infrastructure, positioning itself as a leading destination for football in Africa. This commitment has also bolstered its ambitions to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
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With the commissioning dates set and final preparations entering their last phase, anticipation is building among football fans across Africa and beyond. AFCON 2025 promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the continent’s footballing talent in some of the best stadiums Africa has to offer.
