
The Grand Stade de Tangier (Ibn Batouta), Morocco’s flagship stadium in the north, is undergoing a major transformation designed to elevate it to international standards. Opened in 2011, the venue is being expanded and modernised to meet the requirements of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, positioning Tangier as a premier host city for global sporting events.
Increased Capacity and Modern Facilities
When completed, the renovated stadium will seat more than 75,000 spectators, making it one of the largest arenas in Africa. The upgrade will include improved seating, enhanced hospitality areas, and world-class player and media facilities to create an exceptional experience for fans and athletes alike.
State-of-the-Art Mixed Structure
A standout feature of the project is its innovative mixed structure, combining advanced materials and engineering techniques to deliver both strength and aesthetic appeal. This cutting-edge design allows the stadium to support its expanded roof and improved acoustics while offering a striking architectural identity for Tangier.
Strategic Investment for Major Events
With an estimated budget of 3.53 billion dirhams, the Grand Stade de Tangier upgrade reflects Morocco’s commitment to hosting top-tier international competitions. The revamped venue is scheduled to reopen in October 2025, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), and will also play a key role in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco.
Boosting Tangier’s Global Profile
Beyond football, the modernised stadium is expected to attract major concerts, cultural gatherings, and other sports events, reinforcing Tangier’s status as a vibrant hub for tourism and entertainment. The project is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, urban development, and international visibility for northern Morocco.
The Tangier stadium will host matches for Group D, which consists of Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Among the games scheduled there are Senegal vs Botswana, DR Congo vs Senegal, and Benin vs Senegal during the group stage. In addition to group matches, Tangier will also be one of the venues for a prestigious semi-final match.
AFCON 2025 Matches, Groups & Teams at Tangier
| Date | Fixture | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 23 December 2025 | Senegal vs Botswana | Group D |
| 27 December 2025 | Senegal vs DR Congo | Group D |
| 30 December 2025 | Benin vs Senegal | Group D |
| 5 January 2026 | Round of 16 Match (Winner 37 vs Loser 38) | Knockout |
| 11 January 2026 | Quarter-Final (Winner 45 vs Winner 48) | Knockout |
| 14 January 2026 | Semi-Final (Winner 49 vs Winner 50) | Knockout |
