The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. With 24 national teams set to compete, this tournament is shaping up to be a landmark event — for football, for fans, and for Morocco’s infrastructure.
Why this edition matters
Morocco has previously hosted major football events but AFCON 2025 is on a different scale: modern stadiums, multiple host cities, upgraded transport and hospitality infrastructure, and a fully integrated digital fan experience (tickets + Fan ID + app). The country is using this as a stepping stone toward co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
For fans from places like the US, UK, Canada or Morocco itself, this means an opportunity not just to attend matches, but to experience travel, culture, and football in one package.
Host Cities & Stadiums (with Updated Facts)
The cities
The tournament will be hosted across six Moroccan cities:
- Rabat
- Casablanca
- Marrakech
- Agadir
- Fès
- Tangier
Stadiums in focus (especially Rabat)
Rabat
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- The Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (in Rabat) will host major fixtures including the opening match and the final. Capacity ~69,500.
- Other Rabat venues:
- Stade Al Barid (~18,000 capacity)
- Stade Olympique Annexe Prince Moulay Abdellah (~21,000)
- Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan (~22,000)
- These upgrades form an integral part of the tournament infrastructure and Morocco’s broader push into world-class sporting facilities.
Other cities & stadiums
- In Agadir: the Adrar Stadium (capacity ~45,000) located on the Atlantic coast.
- In Casablanca: the Stade Mohammed V (~45,000 capacity) which will host group/knock-out matches. afrik-foot.com
- In Fès: Complexe Sportif de Fès (~45,000 capacity) – with renovations scheduled ahead of the tournament. afrik-foot.com
- In Marrakech & Tangier: modern stadiums used for group matches and key fixtures. afrik-foot.com
Infrastructure & upgrade notes
- Morocco is heavily investing in stadium upgrades, transport, accommodation and fan zones. For example: Morocco plans an expansive new 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca by 2027 as part of its 2030 World Cup roadmap.
- These upgrades are designed not only for AFCON but for long-term sports tourism and infrastructure usage.
Tickets & Yalla App
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- The official ticketing site lists prices from 100 MAD (~US $10-11) for many group stage fixtures. cafonline.com
- Some early phase ticket categories have already sold out (e.g., “Phase 1 sold out” flagged for certain Group A matches at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah venue). cafonline.com
- Hospitality packages went on sale 25 October 2025 at 10:00 Morocco time (09:00 GMT) — for premium seating and enhanced match-day experiences. cafonline.com
- On ticket reseller platforms, listings for AFCON 2025 (via secondary markets) show tickets for as low as US $87 (for certain matches) with average around US $322 according to sampling.
Yalla app, Fan ID & travel logistics
- According to recent reporting, a central digital platform (app) dubbed Yalla will be key for fans: ticket wallet, Fan ID registration, e-Visa services for international visitors, match schedules and stadium directions. industries.ma
- The app’s role: Ensure fans are registered (Fan ID), have valid tickets, and are verified for entry and travel support.
- International visitors should monitor e-Visa requirements via the app or tournament website — though full details are still being finalised. (As of Nov 2025, full step-by-step hasn’t been widely published.)
What fans should do now
- Create/confirm your account on the official ticket portal (tickets.cafonline.com) and monitor phases.
- Decide your match(s) and stadium(s) early — popular venues like Rabat will fill fast.
- Download the Yalla app (once available), register your Fan ID as soon as instructed.
- If travelling from abroad: book flight + hotel early, especially in host cities (Rabat, Marrakech, Casablanca).
- Use official ticket sources; avoid unknown resellers to reduce risk of invalid tickets or fraud.
- Check transport and matchday access logistics for stadiums — some roads / zones may be restricted on match days.
- Keep an eye out for hospitality packages if you want premium seating or VIP experiences (went on sale 25 Oct).
Why Rabat is a Strong Base for Fans
If you’re planning to base yourself in Rabat (or start there), here are some advantages:
- Rabat hosts multiple stadiums (including the flagship Prince Moulay Abdellah) which means you may attend more than one match without changing cities.
- As the capital, it offers strong hotel infrastructure, transport links (train, tram, airport), and easier access for fans arriving internationally or domestically.
- With stadium upgrades and wide media coverage, the ambiance in Rabat is likely to be among the most vibrant and central.
- From Rabat you can also explore nearby tourist options (coast, old medina, Kasbahs) when you’re not at a match.
If you’re happy to move between cities, you could split time: e.g., Rabat for first matches, then Marrakech or Agadir for later rounds + leisure.
Final Thoughts
AFCON 2025 in Morocco is shaping up to be an event you’ll remember. With modern stadiums, digitally enabled fan infrastructure (Yalla app & Fan ID), and tickets already in motion (including hospitality phases), the time to plan is now. If you want to secure a seat, book accommodation, and treat it as a full travel + football experience, you’ll be ahead of the game.
From a blog perspective — you can emphasise:
- urgency (tickets and phases are filling)
- how to navigate the Yalla app & digital requirements
- Rabat as a strategic base
- the broader bonus of experiencing Morocco (culture, travel, hospitality) alongside the matches
FAQs (Updated)
Q: When does ticket sales open for AFCON 2025?
A: While some phases (pre-registration, hospitality) are already underway, many general tickets are now available via the official portal; early phases have already sold out for prime matches. cafonline.com
Q: What is the cheapest ticket category currently advertised?
A: On the official site, some group‐stage match tickets start from around 100 MAD (~US $10-11) for certain seats. cafonline.com
Q: What is the Yalla app and is it mandatory?
A: Yalla is the official mobile app for AFCON 2025, incorporating Fan ID registration, digital ticket wallet, travel/e-Visa info and match logistics. Fans should download and register through it. (Full mandatory status should be confirmed via official channels.) industries.ma
Q: Which stadium will host the final match?
A: The Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat is slated to host the final on 18 January 2026. tickets.cafonline.com
Q: If I’m based in Rabat, is that a good idea for attending multiple matches?
A: Yes — Rabat hosts several stadiums and is central, making it a strong base for attending matches and enjoying the city in between.
