Afcon 2025 success, a showcase for Morocco’s 2030 World Cup readinessMorocco’s staging of the continent’s most successful African Cup of Nations has demonstrated the readiness of the country for the World Cup and showcased its world-class stadiums and infrastructure.
The tournament has served as a large‑scale rehearsal for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, revealing a level of operational control, commercial strength and infrastructural readiness that strongly reinforces Morocco’s role in the upcoming global event.
As Morocco’s national team advanced to the final, attendance reached historic levels, with stadiums across Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech, Fez and Agadir filled to capacity throughout the competition.
Fan zones spilled beyond their designated limits as supporters from across Africa and beyond travelled in large numbers.
This extraordinary turnout and attractiveness to sponsors helped drive the most commercially successful AFCON in history. Sponsorships hit unprecedented levels, global broadcasting reach expanded, and the visibility of the event broke CAF records, a reflection of Morocco’s rising status as a trusted, modern and internationally appealing host.
The stadiums themselves emerged as a central reason for the tournament’s success. Morocco’s venues operated with a precision and reliability that matched global standards.
The Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat along with stadiums in other host cities were repeatedly praised for its high‑quality pitch, advanced broadcast technology and efficient crowd movement.
At the heart of the country’s long‑term strategy lies its most ambitious project: the Grand Stade de Casablanca, set to become the largest football stadium in the world. Designed as a futuristic landmark of global football, the structure is intended not only to anchor Morocco’s World Cup hosting duties but to elevate the country’s sporting presence internationally.
Its scale and symbolism have already placed it at the center of discussions over where the 2030 World Cup final should be held.
Beyond Casablanca, Morocco is undertaking a significant program of stadium modernization to align with FIFA’s highest standards. In Fez, major upgrades are underway to expand capacity, enhance pitch quality and modernize media infrastructure. Agadir will also witness structural improvements, refreshed spectator areas and better transport links, while Marrakech will undergo both technical and architectural enhancements to increase its suitability for international tournaments.
These works are designed to create an efficient, compact network of elite venues that reduce travel time for teams and supporters, an advantage that fits FIFA’s sustainability and logistics priorities.
The AFCON also acted as a comprehensive operational test for Morocco’s wider infrastructure. High‑speed rail networks, upgraded highways and expanded airport facilities absorbed dramatic increases in traffic with minimal delays. Hotels and restaurants across multiple cities reported some of their strongest occupancy rates in years, underlining the country’s ability to handle surges in tourism comparable to those expected during a World Cup.
Security operations blended cutting‑edge technology with on‑ground expertise, ensuring safe and orderly movement of fans and teams throughout the tournament.
For the Confederation of African Football, Morocco’s performance delivered a powerful message that African football can stage major events at a level that meets and, in several areas, exceeds global standards.
