Grand Stade de Fez to host Morocco’s June fixtures ahead of AFCON preparations

The Moroccan national team is set to host its upcoming international friendlies against Tunisia and Benin at the Grand Stade de Fès, according to reports from local media outlets.

As part of their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, the Atlas Lions are expected to play both matches in the city of Fez.

The fixtures are tentatively scheduled for 6 and 10 June, although the dates have yet to be officially confirmed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

Moroccan publications Taharit77 and Le360 Sport indicate that both matches will take place at the Grand Stade de Fès, which has undergone extensive renovation in recent months.

The stadium, closed for a prolonged period due to construction works, is now being prepared to meet the standards required for major international competitions, including AFCON 2025 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is set to co-host.

Improvements to the stadium include a significant increase in capacity.

Originally able to hold 45,000 spectators, the venue is expected to accommodate 49,200 fans upon reopening, with further expansion plans potentially raising that figure to over 55,000 by the time the World Cup arrives in 2030.

Structural changes also involve the removal of the athletics track and a redesign of the pitch level, aimed at enhancing visibility and the overall experience for match-going supporters.

These upgrades are part of Morocco’s broader efforts to modernize its sporting infrastructure ahead of hosting continental and global tournaments.

The decision to host both matches in a single venue marks a departure from the previous international break, during which Morocco played across multiple stadiums.

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This time, manager Walid Regragui’s squad will remain in Fez for both encounters, providing the team with a consistent environment to fine-tune their preparations.

While the friendlies against Tunisia and Benin are not competitive fixtures, they will serve as crucial opportunities for Regragui to evaluate his squad’s readiness ahead of more demanding matches later in the year.

The Atlas Lions are keen to maintain momentum following a strong qualification campaign and are expected to use these fixtures to test tactical adjustments and new personnel.

Official confirmation from the Moroccan Football Federation is still awaited, but all signs point to Fez becoming the national team’s next temporary fortress.