AFCON 2025 Casablanca: Hotels & Match Day Guide
Tournament kicks off December 21
Casablanca is Morocco's gateway. Most international flights land here. The economic capital houses the country's commercial infrastructure. For AFCON, the Mohammed V Stadium hosts eight matches including the third-place playoff.
The city surprises visitors expecting Hollywood's imagined version. This is urban Morocco: Art Deco downtown districts, the Hassan II Mosque rising from the Atlantic, business travelers in suits, traffic that rivals any Mediterranean capital. Casablanca won't charm you like Marrakech. It will show you how Morocco actually works.
Casablanca at a Glance
Stadium Overview
Stade Mohammed V Capacity: 45,000 Location: Mers Sultan district, near downtown
Opened in 1955, making it the oldest AFCON venue. Multiple renovations, most recently for the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup. Named after King Mohammed V.
The stadium sits in a central location, accessible from most parts of the city within 30 minutes.
Matches at Stade Mohammed V
Group A: Morocco (final match), Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
6 group stage matches (December 24-31)
1 Round of 16 match (January 4)
Third-place playoff (January 17)
Luxury Hotels Within 20 Minutes of the Stadium
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
Part of the Anfa Place development combining residential, retail, and hospitality. Resort-style grounds despite the urban setting. The Atlantic visible from upper floors.
Full-service spa. Outdoor pool surrounded by gardens. The dining options span Moroccan, Mediterranean, and international cuisines. Four Seasons service standards apply.
Distance to Mohammed V Stadium: 15 minutes by car Why for AFCON: International brand consistency. If you know what Four Seasons delivers, this delivers it in Casablanca.
Royal Mansour Casablanca
The Royal Mansour collection's urban property. Less famous than its Marrakech sibling but equally meticulous. Contemporary Moroccan design, multiple restaurants with La Liste recognition, rooftop views.
A smaller property than typical urban five-stars, which translates to more attentive service and fewer crowds.
Distance to Mohammed V Stadium: 12 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Moroccan luxury hospitality without the palace scale. The restaurants alone justify consideration.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
The established business hotel, positioned between Art Deco downtown and the old medina. Views of the Hassan II Mosque from upper floors. Moroccan spa with hammam. Rooftop pool.
The location works for both tourist sightseeing and commercial activity. Dar Beida restaurant offers traditional Moroccan cuisine with live entertainment.
Distance to Mohammed V Stadium: 10 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Central location near landmarks and the stadium. The infrastructure handles events and high-demand periods smoothly.
Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
Contemporary tower hotel in the Anfa business district. The "Tour Blanche" (White Tower) design distinguishes it on the skyline.
Modern rooms, rooftop bar with city views, So SPA by Sofitel. The location skews business rather than tourist, which means efficient service and professional atmosphere.
Distance to Mohammed V Stadium: 15 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Modern facilities, strong service standards, good connectivity to stadium and airport.
Hôtel Le Doge - Relais & Châteaux
A 1930s building converted to boutique luxury. Art Deco preservation meets contemporary comfort. Fifteen rooms only, each individually designed with vintage furniture and period details.
The intimacy distinguishes it from larger properties. Breakfast included. Personal service that larger hotels cannot match.
Distance to Mohammed V Stadium: 8 minutes by car Why for AFCON: For travelers who prefer character over scale. The Art Deco heritage connects to Casablanca's architectural identity.
Between Matches: Experiences in Casablanca
Hassan II Mosque
The third-largest mosque in the world, completed in 1993 on a platform extending into the Atlantic. The minaret rises 210 meters. The prayer hall holds 25,000 worshippers.
One of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims. Guided tours operate outside prayer times. The architecture and engineering merit the visit regardless of religious interest.
Timing: Morning tours typically less crowded. Closed during Friday prayers.
Art Deco Downtown
Casablanca's downtown was built under French colonial rule, making it one of the world's densest concentrations of Art Deco architecture. Walking tours reveal façades, ironwork, and urban planning that parallels Miami Beach or Buenos Aires.
Start at Place Mohammed V. The Central Market. Boulevard Mohammed V's commercial buildings. The Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, now a cultural center. The details reward slow attention.
Old Medina and Habous Quarter
Two medina experiences. The old medina near the port is rougher, more authentic, less restored. The Habous Quarter (Nouvelle Médina) was purpose-built in the 1930s as a "model" traditional neighborhood, cleaner and more navigable.
Both offer souks and street life without Marrakech or Fes intensity.
Corniche and Ain Diab
Casablanca's coastal strip. Beach clubs, restaurants, nightlife. Less traditional Morocco, more Mediterranean city. Where Casablancais go on weekends.
The ocean views and Atlantic breeze provide respite from urban density.
Day Trip to El Jadida
Portuguese fortified city, 100km south. UNESCO World Heritage cistern with atmospheric reflections. Quieter than Essaouira, closer than Essaouira. Seafood lunch by the harbor.
We arrange: Private transport and guided visits. Half-day or full-day options.
Getting to Casablanca
By Air
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is Morocco's primary hub. Direct flights from most European capitals, major African cities, Middle East, and some North American routes.
The airport sits 30km from downtown. Expect 45-60 minutes transfer time depending on traffic.
We arrange: Private airport transfers with meet-and-greet service. Driver waiting at arrivals.
By Train
Casablanca sits at the southern terminus of the Al Boraq high-speed line.
- Tangier to Casablanca: 2h10 by high-speed train
- Rabat to Casablanca: 45 minutes by high-speed train
- Marrakech to Casablanca: 2h30 by conventional train
- Fes to Casablanca: 3h30 by conventional train
Casa Voyageurs is the main station. High-speed trains arrive hourly from Tangier via Rabat.
From Other Host Cities
- Rabat: 1h15 by car, 45 minutes by train
- Marrakech: 2h45 by car, 2h30 by train
- Tangier: 3h30 by car, 2h10 by train
- Fes: 3h by car, 3h30 by train
- Agadir: 4h30 by car (no direct train)
Match Day Logistics
Getting to the Stadium
Mohammed V Stadium sits in a relatively central location. From most hotels, taxi or private transfer takes 15-25 minutes outside match times.
Match days add traffic. Depart 2 hours before kickoff minimum.
Private transfer: We arrange pickup, traffic navigation, and post-match return. Driver waits.
Taxi: Petit taxis (red) are plentiful. Agree on price before departing or insist on meter.
Tram: Casablanca's tram reaches the stadium area. Less comfortable than private transport but functional.
Post-Match
Casablanca has more late-night options than other host cities. The Corniche, downtown bars, hotel restaurants. The city operates on European schedules more than traditional Moroccan ones.
Insider Tips
December weather: Mild but wetter than southern Morocco. Days 16-20°C, evenings 10-14°C. Bring a waterproof layer. The Atlantic influence means cloud cover is common.
Traffic: Significant. Casablanca moves slowly during rush hours. Plan extra time for any appointment.
French: More reliable here than in tourist cities. Casablanca's business orientation means most service staff speak fluent French.
Alcohol: Widely available. Hotel bars, downtown restaurants, Corniche clubs. Less restrictive than Marrakech's medina zones.
Airport connection: Allow 90 minutes minimum for transfer to Mohammed V airport. Traffic varies wildly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in Casablanca or just pass through?
If your matches are in Casablanca, stay. The city merits 2-3 days: Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco architecture, urban energy different from Morocco's tourist circuits. If your matches are elsewhere, use Casablanca for flights and move on.
What's the atmosphere compared to Marrakech?
Business city versus tourist city. Casablanca won't charm you with snake charmers and riads. It impresses with scale, modernity, and the sense that this is where Morocco's economic life happens.
Is the medina worth visiting?
Yes, but with expectations calibrated. Casablanca's medinas are less spectacular than Fes or Marrakech. The Habous Quarter is pleasant and navigable. Worth an afternoon, not a pilgrimage.
Can I watch matches at bars or cafés?
Yes. Casablanca has sports bars and cafés with screens. The Corniche area has multiple options. Atmosphere will be strong for Morocco matches especially.
Casablanca Quick Reference
Ready to Plan?
Casablanca may not top Morocco wish lists, but it hosts eight AFCON matches including the third-place playoff. If your team draws Group A or Group E, you'll be here.
We respond within 2 hours during business hours.
Yalla Visit Morocco designs private travel experiences for visitors who want more than a surface-level tour. Casablanca is Morocco's business face. We know both the business and the pleasure.