From the very start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, heavy and persistent rains threatened to cast a shadow over the tournament. Torrential downpours soaked host cities like Rabat and others, raising serious concerns about the condition of the playing surfaces and the possibility of match delays or cancellations.
Yet, despite the worries, not one match was delayed or seriously impacted by the weather as the days rolled on. Instead of a potential logistical nightmare, it ended up being a real showcase of smart planning and top-notch field technology
The real secret behind all this is an innovative system called “SubAir.” They put it right under the grass in several stadiums, including the newly renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. It doesn’t just rely on old-school gravity drainage. Instead, SubAir actually sucks out extra water super fast and pumps fresh air into the soil. That’s why the fields never get waterlogged, even during massive rainstorms, keeping the grass firm and perfect for playing on.
🇲🇦🏟️ La technologie SubAir permet aux pelouses des stades marocains de résister aux pluies diluviennes durant cette CAN.
Le système de drainage fonctionne grâce à un réseau de canalisations implanté directement sous le gazon. pic.twitter.com/beLp2xVi7D
— Le360 (@Le360fr) December 25, 2025
And the results have been amazing. Even with all the rain, the fields at the host venues have stayed perfect. You don’t see any big puddles, muddy spots, or the ball getting stuck, which usually happens in bad weather. Coaches and players can’t stop talking about how great the surface is, even after hours of rain. It means matches go smoothly, and the teams can just focus on playing their best game.
On top of the SubAir tech, a lot of the stadiums are using hybrid grass , a mix of natural turf and synthetic fibers that’s built to handle wet weather. It’s a clear sign that the organizers did their homework. They wanted to make sure Morocco’s stadiums could handle the pressure of the tournament and whatever unpredictable winter weather came their way.
This puts a spotlight on Morocco’s smart investment in modern stadium technology. It proves that with the right technology, major tournaments can handle tough weather without compromising the football spectacle on the African continent.
