Why Rabat is the best sports city in Africa

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Uganda’s AFCON 2025 fixtures

December 23

Tunisia v Uganda (Annex)

December 27 

Uganda v Tanzania (El Barid)

December 30

Nigeria v Uganda (Fes)

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Over the years, Burson – a global communications agency – has released an annual ranking of cities with the strongest association of sports.

The rankings are based on perception and in-depth quantitative findings from feedback gathered from international sports leaders, sports media representatives and experts within the sports industry.

In all their global findings, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, London and Madrid have dominated the top five positions.

Other top-ranked cities have included Manchester, Tokyo, Doha, Dubai and Melbourne.

In Africa, Rabat (Morocco), Dakar (Senegal), Cairo (Egypt), Lagos (Nigeria), Johannesburg, Cape Town (South Africa) and Kigali (Rwanda) have established their reputations as global sports hubs and are often listed among the top 100.

Building a reputation as a top sports city isn't a sprint; it’s a marathon. The cities that reign supreme in the rankings are those that embarked on this journey a number of years ago, integrating sports into their strategies and culture. 

Of the seven African cities, Rabat ranks top. And understandably so.

For quite some time, Rabat – the capital and administrative city of Morocco, had been known for its iconic landmarks like the Hassan Tower.

However, in recent years, Rabat has transitioned into Africa’s most celebrated sports hub, with its passionate football fans and world-class sports facilities making it a natural choice for major sports events.

Its iconic sports franchises, particularly football clubs FAR Rabat and FUS Rabat, have turned it into a centre for elite club football competitions.

Rabat has also leveraged from hosting major football events. From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023 and the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Rabat has demonstrated its capacity to host world-class football tournaments.

Just this year, Rabat hosted the 2025 World Football Summit (WFS).

In December, Rabat will play a central role in hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with four stadiums (Prince Moulay Abdellah, Stade Al Barid, Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah and Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan) selected to host matches from four groups within the city.

Prince Moulay Abdellah will host the opening match, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the final, the Stade Al Barid will host matches in the Round of 16, the Sportif Prince Abdellah will host the third-place playoff, while Moulay El Hassan will host a couple of other group games.

Uganda Cranes are among the teams that will call Rabat home during AFCON.

So, why Rabat? 

After experiencing the magic of Rabat firsthand, I can confidently say this city deserves a spot on every Morocco itinerary. Rabat offers a variety in the Moroccan travel experience.

What sets Rabat apart from the other Africa Cup of Nations host cities is how it balances tourism with daily life for the locals.

Visitors to the city and locals are able to coexist. The green spaces and infrastructure in the city will create an environment where football fans and locals coexist throughout the tournament.

The city is well-connected with public transportation. Rabat offers exceptional public transportation for fans with its efficient, robust public transport system, and seamless rail connections to other Moroccan cities like Casablanca and Marrakech. The Rabat-Sale Airport serves the city and its surrounding regions, making it easy and affordable to travel between attractions and navigate the capital. 

The city offers a wide spectrum of accommodation choices to fit various budgets and preferences for fans and teams.

Rabat’s nickname ‘City of Lights’ isn’t just a marketing gimmick.  That label has been earned. As sunset falls over Rabat, the entire city transforms into a dazzling metropolis. The city's lights are so prominent they can even be seen from space, creating an unforgettable and constantly changing visual spectacle.

Were you planning a trip to Morocco’s illuminated capital during AFCON but were still undecided? Bother not. Rabat will deliver!