Practical tips for experiencing the 2025 Africa Cup in Casablanca

Six cities that will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December, each offering assets to attract supporters. Between modern infrastructures, festive atmosphere, and cultural wealth, each city will...

Chady Chaabi

Le 25 novembre 2025 a 15h56 | modifie 20 décembre 2025 a 20h37

Six cities that will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from December, each offering assets to attract supporters.

Between modern infrastructures, festive atmosphere, and cultural wealth, each city will offer a unique experience. Casablanca stands out with its legendary Mohammed V Complex.

The Mohammed V Sports Complex has a capacity of 45,000 seats with a hybrid natural grass pitch. The venue includes VIP boxes, hospitality lounges, and four changing rooms for teams and officials. It also provides 288 media seats and 11 fast-food outlets to ensure smooth conditions for spectators during the tournament.

To ensure security and accessibility, the complex has 27 entrance gates. For dining, 11 fast-food outlets are spread across the site to serve spectators. The facilities aim to provide smooth conditions and a varied culinary offer during the event.

But the continental event will not be limited to the field. The streets of Casablanca, animated by daily activity, are expected to resonate with chants of supporters from across the continent.

The city offers a modern yet authentic setting for those wishing to combine football, culture, and conviviality. To begin, supporters head to the stadium under the best conditions.

Located in the heart of the metropolis, the Mohammed V Complex is known for its electric atmosphere. Before being carried away by the passion, it is essential to prepare the trip carefully.

How to Get Around

From the City Center

By taxi or car: 25 to 40 minutes from Place Mohammed V, the medina or Aïn Diab corniche, depending on traffic. On match days, expect jams.
By tramway: T2 line, stop at Beauséjour station, then a 10‑minute walk.
By bus: Lines 50, 56 and 97 stop near the stadium (Café Mexico 1986).

From Mohammed V Airport

Distance: Located about 30 km from the city, connected by the A7 highway.
By taxi: 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
By train: Direct service to Casa‑Voyageurs station in about 30 minutes.
To the stadium: From Casa‑Voyageurs, 15 to 20 minutes by taxi.

From the Train Stations

Casablanca is served by two major train stations:

Casa‑Port: Downtown station, central location.
Casa‑Voyageurs: More remote, convenient for arrivals from other host cities.
To the stadium: Taxi is the most direct option from either station.

From the Bus Stations

Stations: Ouled Ziane or CTM.
By taxi: About 20 minutes to the stadium from either station.
By tramway: From Ouled Ziane, take T2 line to Beauséjour, then walk about 10 minutes.

Casablanca, a City of Endless Exploration

Casablanca is an iconic city of a bygone era, yet also in tune with the times. A city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers stand beside popular medinas and historic monuments. Before or after the matches, the city is worth exploring extensively.

The most iconic monument is the Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece, partially open to visitors. Its 210-meter minaret is visible from afar.

Casablanca’s medina, less touristy than Fez or Marrakech, charms with its authenticity. Lively alleys, the central market, and the Sqala, a former Portuguese bastion now a café-restaurant, offer a unique atmosphere by the sea.

Mosquée Hassan II Casa — Casablanca is preparing for the 2030 World Cup. Photo: DR

For architecture enthusiasts, the city center features numerous Art Deco buildings, a legacy of the French protectorate. Place Mohammed V, the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Villa des Arts are among the finest examples.

The Habous district, known as the « new medina, » is a must-visit. Quiet streets, bookstores, and artisanal shops make it a popular stop. It is also home to the famous Bennis pastry shop, a local institution.

Le quarter Habous — Habous is the stronghold of leather, pottery and metal artisans, of traditional babouche makers and iconic booksellers. Photo: TripAdvisor

Lastly, the Aïn Diab corniche is where Casablanca residents gather to enjoy the ocean, restaurants and clubs. During AFCON, it will be a meeting point for supporters and a place of celebration until the early hours.

For those wishing to extend the adventure, several destinations near Casablanca are worth a visit. Just 30 minutes away, Mohammédia captivates with its beaches and seaside atmosphere.

Further south, Azemmour and El Jadida offer a complete change of scenery. Azemmour, with its picturesque medina and street-art frescoes, is ideal for a stroll. El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands out with its Portuguese cistern and ancient ramparts.

Two hours from Casablanca, the Oualidia lagoon is perfect for a relaxing day with fresh oysters and water sports.