AFCON 2025: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium ready for African spotlight

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will take centre stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, hosting both the opening match between Morocco and Comoros and the tournament’s final.

It is one of nine venues selected for the competition, which runs from 21 December to 18 January, and will stage seven games in total.

The stadium now holds around 69,500 spectators after a major reconstruction project between 2023 and 2025, which included removing the athletics track and relocating it to an adjacent Olympic facility within the same sports complex. Named after Prince Moulay Abdellah, son of King Mohammed V and brother of King Hassan II, the arena carries strong symbolic and historical value.

Moulay Abdellah has long been the traditional home of AS FAR, the Royal Army club, and has welcomed many major events, including the 1988 AFCON in Morocco, two FIFA Club World Cups and the 2019 African Games.

Its new era was inaugurated on 5 September with Morocco’s 5–0 win over Niger, a result that sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup as the first African team confirmed for the tournament.

Conveniently located southwest of Rabat near rail and main roads to Casablanca, the stadium is also planned as one of the 2030 World Cup venues thanks to its modern facilities and easy access for fans.