Tangier ready to take centre stage as AFCON 2025 atmosphere builds in the City of the Strait
Tangier is stepping confidently into the spotlight as one of the key host cities for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with football fever rising steadily ahead of the first match to be staged in the northern port city on Tuesday.
Just hours after Rabat set the tone with a vibrant opening to the tournament, Tangier is now buzzing with its own unique blend of anticipation, colour and continental pride.
From the historic medina to the modern waterfront, the signs of Africa’s biggest football event are unmistakable, as fans, journalists and tourists gather in growing numbers.
The presence of Senegal supporters has been particularly noticeable in the city centre. Clad in green, yellow and red, they have been seen around cafés, hotels and public squares, exchanging chants and predictions while soaking in the city’s distinctive atmosphere.
Alongside them are journalists from across Africa and beyond, setting up base in Tangier as they prepare to cover a city that will host some of the most decisive matches of the tournament.
National flags flutter along major roads and near key landmarks, while official AFCON signage and banners underline Tangier’s role as a major venue for the 35th edition of the competition. Moroccan flags and Atlas Lions jerseys dominate the streets, with local pride running high in a city that has long embraced football as part of its identity.
At the heart of Tangier’s AFCON preparations stands the Grand Stadium of Tangier, one of Morocco’s most impressive sporting arenas. Located southwest of the city, the stadium is a modern landmark with a capacity of 68,000 seats, including extensive media and VIP facilities.
Since its inauguration in 2011, the venue has built an international reputation, having hosted events such as the Spanish Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and high-profile internationals involving Morocco against global heavyweights.
Its strategic location, close to Ibn Battouta International Airport and major transport routes, has made it easily accessible for teams, officials and supporters alike.
In recent days, the stadium has undergone final checks, with pitch preparations, media installations and security measures all reinforcing Tangier’s readiness to deliver on the biggest continental stage.
Tangier will play a central role in AFCON 2025, hosting three Group D matches, starting on Tuesday when Senegal face Botswana, followed by encounters involving DR Congo and Benin.
Beyond the group phase, the city will also stage a Round of 16 tie, a quarter-final and one of the tournament’s highly anticipated semi-finals — fixtures that are expected to draw packed crowds and global television audiences.
Away from the stadium, Tangier’s unique character continues to charm visiting supporters. Perched at the meeting point of Africa and Europe, the city offers a rare blend of cultures shaped by centuries of trade, travel and storytelling.
Visitors wander through the narrow alleys of the medina, gather at the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, or stroll along the Corniche, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.
Efficient transport links, including the high-speed Al Boraq train, a busy port with connections to Spain, and a well-served airport, have made Tangier a natural gateway for travelling fans. Hotels and restaurants are reporting strong demand, adding to the festive mood and providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
As Senegal prepare to open their campaign in the city and knockout football looms on the horizon, Tangier stands ready — not just as a host venue, but as a living showcase of Morocco’s football passion and Africa’s shared love for the game.
With flags flying, supporters singing and the Grand Stadium poised for action, Tangier is primed to write its own chapter in the story of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.