CAN 2027: Nine African Teams Choose Morocco to Host Their Matches

Thursday 20 August 2026 - 08:55

Morocco is set to further strengthen its role as a major platform for African football. During the upcoming international break in September, nine national teams are expected to play in the Kingdom for the qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, due to the lack of approved stadiums in their respective countries.

Niger, Lesotho, the Central African Republic, Liberia, Benin, Togo, Guinea-Conakry, Madagascar, and Somalia are among the teams affected by this relocation. Their choice of Morocco illustrates the growing strength of national sports infrastructure and the Kingdom's capacity to simultaneously host an increasing number of international competitions.

Unapproved Stadiums in Several African Countries

The decision originates from the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Several venues initially planned to host the qualifying matches do not meet the technical, security, and organizational standards required for international competitions.

Deprived of the possibility of hosting their opponents on their territory, several African federations have had to seek alternative solutions.

In this context, Morocco appears as one of the most sought-after destinations. Its network of approved stadiums allows for the hosting of international matches in several cities and meets the logistical constraints associated with organizing high-level matches.

The third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers for the CAN 2027 are expected to result in several matches being relocated to Moroccan territory.

A Demand Expected to Continue

The influx of African teams is not expected to be limited to the September international window. Other matches are also anticipated in Moroccan stadiums during the next phase of the qualifiers.

The Central African Republic, Guinea-Conakry, Madagascar, Niger, Lesotho, and Togo are expected to continue organizing some of their matches in Morocco.

These teams could thus host several African opponents there, including São Tomé and Príncipe, Djibouti, Seychelles, Uganda, and Mozambique.

This situation confirms a phenomenon observed for several years: Morocco is gradually becoming a preferred host country for teams forced to play far from their bases.

A Network of Stadiums Meeting CAF Standards

This attractiveness is based on the multiplication of sports infrastructures that meet continental and international standards.

For African interclub competitions, several Moroccan venues have also received the necessary approval to host matches in the African Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

Clubs and teams have options through the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, the Grand Stadium of Marrakech, El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, El Massira Stadium in Safi, Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, Oujda Honor Stadium, Meknes Honor Stadium, Grand Stadium of Tangier, and the Fès Sports Complex.

This geographical diversity is a major asset. It allows for the distribution of competitions across several cities and offers foreign teams infrastructures adapted to CAF's requirements.

Morocco Consolidates Its Status as a Hub for African Football

Beyond the mere availability of approved stadiums, the repeated hosting of relocated matches demonstrates Morocco's growing place in the continental sports ecosystem.

The Kingdom is no longer limited to organizing its own competitions. It is also becoming a solution for African federations facing a deficit of infrastructures that comply with international standards.

The choice of nine teams for the upcoming qualifiers for CAN 2027 thus serves as a new indicator of this dynamic. Through its infrastructures and experience in organizing major events, Morocco is gradually solidifying its position as one of the main hubs of African football.