The African Football Cup : The Ultimate Fan Guide to Morocco

The waiting is now over. The flags are waving from the balconies in Casablanca, and the coffee shops in Tangier are stocking up on mint tea and screens. The noise in the streets is getting louder and louder. The African Cup of football—the most esteemed, most passionate, and most colorful competition on the African continent—is about to begin right in Morocco.

In a matter of days, our stadiums will be under global spotlight. Our cities will be swarming with the Continent’s stars heading to our cities to vie for the most coveted prize.

For football enthusiasts, this is not just a tournament but a pilgrimage.

At MoroccosGate, we understand that participating in a big tournament in a different country can be a challenge. That is why we have developed a survival kit in form of a tactical guide. Ranging from arriving in time at the stadium to celebrating victories after matches, this piece will enlighten you on all you need to survive in the African football Cup.

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Why this Tournament is Special

The African football Cup this year is a historical event. Morocco not only prepared arenas but a stage. With the historical performance of the Atlas Lions in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, passion for football in this country is at a record high.

When you arrive in the country from planes such as those from Dublin, London, or New York, you are not only arriving in a tourist spot but in a country where football lives and breathes. The atmosphere in these grounds matches up with the best in South America and Europe. Be ready for drums, flares (managed safely, of course!), and 90 minutes of non-stop singing.

The Host Cities & Stadium Guides

The event takes place in Morocco’s most famous cities. Here is your travel guide to each stadium.

1. Casablanca: The Temple of Football

Stadium: Stade Mohammed V (or Grand Stade de Casablanca)

Capacity: 67,000+

Casablanca serves as the pulse of Moroccan football, where one can experience the rivalry between Wydad and Raja.

How to Get There:

• By Tram: This is the easiest way. Take Line T1 and get off at the “Gare Casa Voyageurs” or “Technopark” depending on your gate, but for Stade Mohammed V, the closest tram stop is usually Station Riviera or Wafasalaf.
  • Taxi: Red “Petit Taxis” are plentiful. Just say “Stade d’Honneur.”
  • Tip: Make sure your meter is turned on.
• Pre-Match Atmosphere: Go to the Maarif neighborhood around the stadium. The coffee shops in this area will be buzzing with life before kickoff.
• Where to Stay: Stay in either the Gauthier or Maarif neighborhoods if you want to walk to all the fun.

2. Tangier: The Gateway to Africa

Stadium: Ibn Batouta Stadium (The Grand Stadium of Tangier)

Capacity: 65,000+

Tangier is a booming city with a state-of-the-art stadium. It’s very windy, insane, and very, very loud.

How to Get There:

• From the Airport: It is very close to the Ibn Battuta Airport (10 mins by taxi).
• From City Center: It is located on the outskirts (Ziaten). You will need a Blue Taxi (Petit Taxi) or arrange a private transfer.
• The Al Boraq Factor: If you are staying in Casablanca, you can take the High-Speed Train (Al Boraq) to Tangier in just 2 hours and 10 minutes.
• Fan Zone: The Corniche (beachfront) usually hosts massive screens and fan festivals.

3. Rabat: The Capital of Class

Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium

Capacity: 53,000

Rabat offers a more organized, slightly calmer experience than Casablanca, but the atmosphere in the stadium is electric.

How to Get There:

• By Train: It is located just outside the city center. Take an ONCF train to Gare Rabat Agdal, then a short taxi ride.
• By Tram: Take the tramway to the Madinat Al Irfane terminal, then it’s a walkable distance or a short shuttle ride.
• Pro Tip: This is a stadium with an athletic track, so binoculars might come in handy if one wants to get an up close and personal look at players’ footwork.

4. Marrakech: Football under the Atlas

Stadium: Grand Stade de Marrakech

Capacity: 45,000

One of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, it was designed to look like a rectangular prism resembling local architecture.

How to Get There:

• Location: It is about 11km away from the city and on the way to Casablanca.
• Transport: Do not attempt to walk this. You’ll need to take a taxi or a dedicated tournament shuttle bus. Haggle the price before you get on, ~ 10-15 EUR from the Medina during events
• The Experience: You couldn’t ask for much more of a quintessential football tourist experience than combining a match here with a night in Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Match Day Logistics: What You Need To Know

With the African football Cup underway in a few days, everything concerning logistics matters.

1. Acquiring Tickets

If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, you need to move quickly.

• Official Platform: One can purchase tickets only from the official Confederation of African Football platform or Moroccan Royal Football Federation official portal.
• Black Market Warning: You will notice vendors hawking paper tickets outside the stadium. Do not fall for this. They are mostly counterfeits, and everything is digital this year.

2. Reaching the Stadium

• Arrive Early: Trust me when I say this is essential. Having arrived in Europe and kicked off with a 30-minute prematch arrival time, in Morocco for a major tournament, arrive at the stadium perimeter 3 hours before kickoff time.
• Security Checks: There are layers of security. Your ticket will be checked and you will be physically searched at the outer perimeter, and again at the turnstiles.
• Prohibited Items: Do not bring power banks (occasionally confiscated), professional cameras without a pass, bottle with lids, or flares.

3. Internet & Connectivity

You will want to Instagram your goal.

• SIM Cards: Purchase a Moroccan SIM card at the airport (Maroc Telecom, Inwi, or Orange). For 10 Euros, you will have more than enough data.
• Wi-Fi in stadium: Although available, stadium Wi-Fi can become overwhelmed with a capacity of 60,000 attendees. Use your 4G/5G network.

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Traveling Between Cities: The High Speed Advantage

Morocco is a unique country in Africa because of its infrastructure. A game in Tangier can be enjoyed at 4:00 PM, and an 8:00 PM game in Casablanca can be simultaneously enjoyed if planned in a proper manner.

• Al Boraq (TGV): Connects Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca. They are clean, very fast (320km/h), and cheap. Purchase tickets in advance because they tend to be in high demand during match days.
• CTM Bus: In cities such as Agadir or Essaouira (should they be playing during your visit), a good option is the CTM Bus, which is very comfortable.

Where to Eat Before a Game

Football makes you hungry. Here is what you can pick up quickly:

• Bocadillo: The Moroccan sandwich. Tuna, olives, salad, and potatoes inside a baguette. Quick, cheap food, and very common.
• Msemmen: A layered pancake. Great for a pre-game energy boost.
• Sugarcane Juice: Look for people pressing it right there on the road. Gives you an insane sugar high. Just right for 90 minutes of shouting.

Safety & Etiquette for the International Fan

Moroccans are very hospitable people, but their passion for football is immense.

• Wearing Colors: It is totally safe to wear your team jersey. Alternatively, if it is a local derby, you better wear a different color to show support for both teams. For African football Cup, team jerseys can be worn anywhere.
• Women in the Stadium: Female spectators are greatly welcomed. The stadium atmosphere during matches featuring the national team is family-oriented.
• Respect for the Anthem: When the Moroccan national anthem begins playing, the stadium will tremble with excitement. Everyone will stand up in respect and listen to the spine-tingling sensations creeping up and down people’s spines

Fan Zones & Nightlife

“If you didn’t manage to get a ticket, don’t worry. The Fan Zones are legendary,”

• Casablanca: The Corniche Ain Diab: The area is dotted with nightclubs and restaurants featuring giant screens.
• Marrakech: Several hotels have erected massive screens outside by the pool area.
• The Vibe: Unlike Europe, where spectators drink in pubs, this place takes an energy boost from coffee, tea, excitement, and drumming. Of course, many licensed bars and hotel lounges will happily serve you.

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Let the Games Begin!

The African football Cup is more than a game; rather, it is a time for celebrating African unity, culture, and talent. As the competition begins in a few days, the vibe in Morocco is incomparable.

Whether you are in Morocco to support the Atlas Lions, Super Eagles, Pharaohs, or Black Stars, you are part of a massive event.

Need Help with Last-Minute Logistics?

Landing in Morocco this week and feeling overwhelmed? Then reach out to us. MoroccosGate is your local sidekick. Let us assist you with private transport to the stadium, last-minute hotel reservations, or pointing you in the right direction for a good fan zone. Enjoy your game, and may the best side win!

Get in Touch with MoroccosGate

WhatsApp us for immediate help: +353-892614066
Email: travel@moroccosgate.com
Follow the action: Check our “Recent Posts” for match-day updates and city guides.