Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations began with images of half-empty stands that raised questions about the tournament’s appeal, yet within weeks the picture had changed dramatically, with total attendance surpassing 956,788 after the round of 16 – already higher than the entire 817,313 recorded during the previous edition in Ivory Coast.
The figures have placed Morocco 2025 among the most attended AFCON tournaments in history, a remarkable turnaround for an event that initially struggled to fill seats, particularly at matches not involving the host nation.
Even before the first ball was kicked, the signs of a strong response were there.
CAF secretary general Véron Mosengo-Omba revealed that more than one million tickets had been sold within the first five days, exceeding the total ticket sales of the entire Ivorian competition.
Records were also broken in the number of accredited journalists and commercial partners, signalling widespread global interest despite the early concerns over stadium atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, organisers point to a coordinated strategy that extended far beyond football.
Omar Khyari, adviser to FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa, explained to Foot Mercato how different sectors were mobilised to ensure the tournament’s success.
“ In accordance with the King’s multidimensional vision, the FRMF has done its job, but not only that. There’s also RAM (Royal Air Maroc), which created new routes and offered low prices. The ONMT (Moroccan National Tourist Office) has done a great deal of work to attract people through international trade shows. ”
This approach was paired with an expansive communications campaign.
Influencers from around the world were invited, while a dedicated media tour in September brought together more than 250 journalists and content creators.
The aim was clear: to ensure that excitement around the competition was visible well beyond Morocco’s borders.
That digital momentum quickly translated into movement on the ground, with supporters from the European diaspora in particular deciding at short notice to travel for matches.
The organisers were also quick to respond to practical problems that had affected the opening fixtures.
Stadium access procedures were reviewed and simplified, with the number of security checkpoints reduced.
At Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium, waiting times were cut from 45 minutes to just 20, a change that significantly improved the matchday experience.
Ticket pricing was another factor in the revival.
Official prices were set at accessible levels – 100, 200 and 300 dirhams – making it easier for local fans to attend.
At the same time, a firm stance was taken against illegal reselling. More than 120 people were arrested for offences including black-market sales, ticket forgery, fraud and the spread of false information.
Through the AFCON Ticket app, multiple reseller accounts were shut down, a move that helped restore confidence in the official system.
The results were immediate. After modest crowds at the beginning of the tournament, most fixtures are now being played in front of attendance levels close to 90%, transforming the atmosphere inside stadiums across the country.
Internally, CAF officials are said to be delighted with the turnaround and see it as a blueprint for future tournaments.
With the Africa Cup of Nations set to move to a four-year cycle from 2028, Morocco’s ability to convert early doubts into record-breaking crowds may well shape how the competition is organised in years to come.
