AFCON 2025 Rabat: Opening Match to Final Guide
Opening match December 21 · Final January 18
Rabat is the heart of AFCON 2025. Morocco's capital hosts four of the tournament's nine stadiums, including the flagship Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium where the opening match (Morocco vs Comoros) and the final will be played.
Unlike Marrakech's tourist intensity or Casablanca's commercial pace, Rabat operates at the tempo of a capital. Government ministries, embassies, university campuses. The medina is contained and navigable. The Kasbah of the Udayas overlooks the Atlantic. This is where Morocco governs itself, and during AFCON, it's where African football crowns its champion.
Rabat at a Glance
Stadium Overview
Rabat hosts matches at four venues, more than any other city in the tournament.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Capacity: 69,500 Location: Hay Riad district
Morocco's national stadium. Completely renovated in September 2025 to FIFA standards. Hosts the opening match, all Morocco group games, semi-final, and final.
Key Matches at Prince Moulay Abdellah
December 21: Morocco vs Comoros (opening match)
December 26: Morocco vs Mali
December 29: Zambia vs Morocco
January 9: Quarter-final
January 14: Semi-final
January 18: Final
Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium
Capacity: 22,000 Location: Near the main stadium complex
Rebuilt from scratch for AFCON. Hosts Algeria's three group stage matches and one Round of 16 fixture.
Olympic Stadium Annex
Capacity: 21,000 Location: Part of the Moulay Abdellah complex
New construction for AFCON. Three group stage matches.
El Barid Stadium
Capacity: 18,000 Location: Touarga district
The smallest AFCON venue. Three group stage matches and one Round of 16.
Luxury Hotels in Rabat
Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé
The newest five-star in Rabat, opened on the marina development between Rabat and Salé. Contemporary design, waterfront location, views across the Bouregreg River.
The property anchors a new mixed-use development with restaurants, retail, and a boardwalk along the water. International-standard facilities for guests accustomed to Fairmont's service levels.
Distance to Prince Moulay Abdellah: 15 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Modern infrastructure, marina atmosphere, removes you from the city's denser districts while keeping major venues accessible.
Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses
Rabat's established luxury address. Set in the Souissi diplomatic quarter amid 9 hectares of rose gardens. French hospitality meets Moroccan setting.
The 1,300m² spa features traditional hammam and contemporary treatments. Four restaurants. Pool. Golf practice facilities. The location near embassies and the Royal Palace means quiet surroundings despite proximity to the city center.
Distance to Prince Moulay Abdellah: 10 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Central yet calm. The gardens provide escape. Strong business traveler infrastructure translates to reliable service during high-demand periods.
La Tour Hassan Palace
Historic Rabat hospitality, operating since the French protectorate era. The property overlooks the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum, two of Rabat's primary landmarks.
Traditional Moroccan architecture, recently renovated rooms, rooftop views across the city. Less contemporary than newer competitors but steeped in the city's history.
Distance to Prince Moulay Abdellah: 12 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Location near the medina and major monuments. Walking distance to the Hassan Tower. The rooftop terrace provides perspective on the city.
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam
Part of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam complex, surrounded by 440 hectares of forest and golf courses. Two 18-hole championship courses designed by Robert Trent Jones.
The property operates at a different rhythm than city hotels. Golfers and guests seeking retreat rather than urban access. Full resort amenities including spa, pools, tennis.
Distance to Prince Moulay Abdellah: 20 minutes by car Why for AFCON: If your schedule allows time between matches and you play golf, this is the rare opportunity to access Morocco's most prestigious courses while attending a continental championship.
Conrad Rabat Arzana
Contemporary luxury in the Hay Riad business district. International brand standards, modern design, efficient service. Part of Hilton's luxury portfolio.
The location places you near government offices and corporate headquarters rather than tourist attractions. Strong connectivity, business center facilities, what you'd expect from Conrad anywhere.
Distance to Prince Moulay Abdellah: 8 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Closest luxury option to the main stadium. Practical for supporters prioritizing match access over medina atmosphere.
Between Matches: Experiences in Rabat
Kasbah of the Udayas
The old fortress district where the Bouregreg River meets the Atlantic. Blue-and-white painted walls (similar to Chefchaouen), narrow streets, the Andalusian Gardens, views across the water to Salé.
A morning or afternoon walk. Less overwhelming than Marrakech or Fes medinas. End at Café Maure for mint tea overlooking the ocean.
Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum
The unfinished minaret of a 12th-century mosque that would have been the largest in the world. Adjacent, the mausoleum houses the tombs of Kings Mohammed V and Hassan II.
The site captures Morocco's historical ambition and its modern monarchy. Guards in traditional dress, zellige tilework, carved cedar. Essential Rabat.
Chellah
Roman and medieval ruins at the edge of the city. Merinid tombs, stork colonies, gardens growing wild among ancient walls. Quiet, contemplative, unlike anything in Morocco's other imperial cities.
Best in late afternoon light when tour groups have departed.
Day Trip to Meknes and Volubilis
Morocco's other imperial city, Meknes, lies 2 hours east. The grandiose Bab Mansour gate, the Royal Stables that once held 12,000 horses, the mellah (Jewish quarter).
Nearby Volubilis offers Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Mosaics, columns, a sense of deep time. Combine both in a full day.
We arrange: Private transport and guides for the Meknes/Volubilis circuit. Departures timed around your match schedule.
Day Trip to Fes
The spiritual capital, 2.5 hours from Rabat by car (3 hours by train). The world's largest car-free urban area. Tanneries, madrasas, a thousand years of continuous inhabitation.
Too much for one day, but a taste is possible. Better as an overnight if your schedule permits.
Getting to Rabat
By Air
Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) has limited international connections. Most travelers arrive via Casablanca.
Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN) to Rabat: 1 hour by car, 1h30 by train from Casa Voyageurs station.
From Europe: Fly to Casablanca, connect by train or private transfer.
From Africa: Casablanca has the strongest network. Royal Air Maroc connects most major African capitals.
By Train
Rabat sits on the Al Boraq high-speed line.
- Tangier to Rabat Agdal: 1h05 by high-speed train
- Casablanca to Rabat Agdal: 45 minutes by high-speed train
- Fes to Rabat: 2h30 by conventional train
- Marrakech to Rabat: 4 hours by conventional train
Trains depart hourly from 06:00 to 21:00 on the Al Boraq route. Rabat Agdal station connects to the tram and taxi network.
From Other Host Cities
- Casablanca: 1h15 by car, 45 minutes by train
- Tangier: 2h30 by car, 1h05 by high-speed train
- Marrakech: 3h30 by car, 4h by train
- Fes: 2h30 by car, 2h30 by train
- Agadir: 5h30 by car (no direct train)
We arrange: Private transfers between host cities. Al Boraq first-class bookings. Door-to-door service.
Match Day Logistics
Getting to the Stadium
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium sits in Hay Riad, a modern district south of the traditional city center. Traffic will be substantial on match days, particularly for Morocco fixtures and the final.
Private transfer: We arrange collection 2-3 hours before kickoff, navigation through traffic, and post-match return. Driver waits through the match.
Taxi: Available but expect difficulty finding return transport. Negotiate fixed prices in advance.
Tram: Rabat has a modern tram system, but coverage to Hay Riad is limited. Not practical for most stadium journeys.
Planning for the Final
The final (January 18) will be the most in-demand event of the tournament. Accommodation within 30 minutes of the stadium will command premium rates and sell out early.
Final Match Accommodation
If attending the final is a priority, book Rabat accommodation now. We can hold rooms pending bracket developments.
Insider Tips
December weather: Cooler than Marrakech. Days 14-18°C, evenings 8-12°C. Rain is more likely than in the south. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
The medina: Smaller and more navigable than Fes or Marrakech. You're unlikely to get genuinely lost. The Rue des Consuls offers quality souvenirs without the aggressive sales tactics.
Language: French is widely spoken in Rabat's diplomatic and business districts. English less reliably than in tourist centers.
Friday afternoons: Many businesses close for prayers. Plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rabat worth staying in, or should I base in Casablanca?
Rabat is worth staying in. It's the tournament's primary host city with four stadiums including the final venue. The medina and monuments merit exploration. Casablanca makes sense only if your matches are there.
How do I get from Casablanca airport to Rabat?
Train from Casa Voyageurs station (45 minutes, hourly) or private transfer (1h-1h15 depending on traffic). We arrange airport pickup with direct service to your Rabat hotel.
Can I take the high-speed train to the stadium?
No. Rabat Agdal station is not walking distance from the stadiums. You'll need taxi or private transfer from the station.
What's the atmosphere like compared to Marrakech?
Calmer. More residential. Fewer tourists. The medina is charming but not overwhelming. If you want intensity, Marrakech delivers. If you want a capital city's rhythm with access to major matches, Rabat delivers.
Rabat Quick Reference
More AFCON 2025 Guides
Other Host Cities:
- Marrakech Guide – Atlas backdrop, 8 matches, quarter-final
- Tangier Guide – Largest stadium, where Africa meets Europe
- Casablanca Guide – International hub and knockout matches
- Fes Guide – Spiritual capital and UNESCO medina
- Agadir Guide – Beach resort and Atlas backdrop
Planning Guides:
- Private Transfers – Getting between host cities
- YALLA App Guide – Fan ID, visa, and entry requirements
- Luxury Experiences – 10 things to do between matches
- New Year's Eve – Celebrate during the group stage finale
Ready to Plan?
Rabat's four stadiums make it essential for anyone following AFCON beyond a single match. The city's hotels know tournament hosting, having accommodated international events for years.
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. Rabat may lack Marrakech's fame, but it holds Morocco's center. We know how to show you both.