Nationwide airport transformation welcomes thousands of fans as Morocco prepares to open Africa’s biggest football event.

Morocco Turns Airports Into Football Hubs Ahead of Kickoff

The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has unofficially begun — five days early — as Morocco rolls out major airport branding and operational upgrades ahead of Sunday’s opening match in Rabat.

Fans arriving in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, Fès and Agadir are already stepping into full AFCON atmosphere, with arrival halls transformed into football-themed welcome zones. LED screens, giant football installations, illuminated tunnels and fan activation areas now fill terminals across the country.

The tournament begins on Sunday night, when hosts Morocco face Comoros in a sold-out Group A clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

According to CAF, Morocco’s airports are now fully prepared to handle massive fan inflows. The National Airports Office (ONDA) confirmed expanded capacity, redesigned passenger flow, additional staff and upgraded security coordination to ensure seamless arrivals.

Supporters say the AFCON excitement begins the moment they touch down.

“You feel the energy instantly,” said Congolese fan Joseph Kabongo.

The country has activated multilingual signage, real-time monitoring systems, reinforced assistance teams and fan-themed pathways to guide visitors from airport gates straight into the tournament experience.

Airport terminals now function not just as transit hubs, but as the first chapter of AFCON 2025, reflecting Morocco’s push to elevate its aviation and tourism profile.

“Our airports are spaces where the African journey begins,” ONDA said.

With tens of thousands of visitors expected before kickoff, Morocco’s airport network has effectively become the first venue of Africa’s biggest football celebration — setting the tone for what promises to be a historic tournament.