Gianni Infantino praises Grand Stade de Tangier during official visit ahead of AFCON 2025

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has paid an official visit to Tangier, where he inspected the newly renovated Grand Stade de Tangier, one of the venues selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Infantino was accompanied by Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), during Saturday’s tour.

The delegation also visited the annexe pitch at the Ziaten sports complex, Tangier’s coastal road, and the marina, as the northern city continues to prepare for a busy schedule of international events.

On the pitch of the Grand Stade, Infantino presented an official FIFA souvenir to Younes Tazi, wali of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, in recognition of the city’s efforts.

He expressed admiration for the speed and quality of the renovations, stressing that the venue now meets the highest international standards.

The FIFA President underlined three highlights of the upgrades: the new roof structure nearing completion, a world-class hybrid playing surface, and modernised facilities designed for players, officials, and spectators.

“The Grand Stade de Tangier is a stadium ready to welcome Africa and the world,” Infantino said, according to officials close to the visit.

This stop in Tangier formed part of Infantino’s wider official tour of Morocco. A day earlier, he chaired a working session at the newly inaugurated FIFA Africa headquarters in Rabat, attended a training workshop for female coaches at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, and held strategic meetings with federation presidents from Senegal, South Sudan, Rwanda, Gabon, and Tunisia.

With Tangier’s stadium fully upgraded, Morocco has once again demonstrated its capacity to deliver world-class football infrastructure.

The country is setting the stage for a successful AFCON 2025 while positioning itself for the landmark 2030 FIFA World Cup.