More than football: Morocco’s cultural showcase at CAN 2025
More than football: Morocco’s cultural showcase at CAN 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is shaping up to be more than just a football tournament—it’s a grand stage for Morocco to showcase its vibrant identity, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. Running from December 21 to January 18, the competition will unfold across six cities, transforming the event into an immersive journey through one of North Africa’s most captivating countries. While the Confederation of African Football promises thrilling matches, the real magic may lie in the cities hosting them.

In Rabat, Morocco’s capital, visitors will find a rare harmony between tradition and modernity. Known for its calm elegance, Rabat offers a dignified atmosphere where the country’s deep-rooted heritage blends effortlessly with its forward-looking spirit. Just down the coast, Casablanca pulses with energy. As Morocco’s economic powerhouse, the city moves at a relentless pace, reflecting its status as a hub of commerce and constant innovation.

Marrakech will bring a different kind of rhythm to the tournament. The legendary city, famed for its sensory overload, will immerse fans in the vibrant life of Jemaa El-Fna Square—an open-air theater of musicians, storytellers, and street performers. It’s a place where football fever will merge with centuries of cultural tradition, creating an unforgettable backdrop for the matches.

Inland, Fes offers a step back in time. Its ancient medina, a labyrinth unchanged for generations, invites visitors into a world of historic mosques, scholarly madrasas, and time-honored craft workshops. The atmosphere is one of quiet reverence and rich detail, promising a slower, more introspective side of the football celebration.

Up north, Tangier adds a cosmopolitan flair. Perched between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and sitting at the meeting point of Europe and Africa, the city’s storied past is etched into its streets. Once a haven for artists and wanderers, Tangier still retains a mystique that makes it one of Morocco’s most intriguing destinations.

Meanwhile, Agadir will offer a more relaxed setting for the tournament. With its sweeping Atlantic beaches and abundant sunshine, it’s a place where fans can unwind between matches. The city’s laid-back vibe contrasts beautifully with the intensity of the competition, giving visitors a chance to experience the softer side of Morocco.

Together, these six cities will turn the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations into something far greater than a month-long sports event. Each location will add its own flavor, its own rhythm, and its own face to the tournament. For CAF, the real stories of this competition won’t only be written in stadiums. They’ll unfold in the alleys, cafés, markets, and horizons of Morocco—a country where the celebration doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows.