Mohammed V Complex – Casablanca: Complete Visitor Guide

Complete visitor guide to Morocco's historic Mohammed V Sports Complex in Casablanca. Stadium history, Casablanca Derby, transport, hotels, seating guide, and match day tips for AFCON 2025.

Morocco's Historic Football Cathedral in the Heart of North Africa's Economic Capital

The Complexe Sportif Mohammed-V stands as one of Africa's most storied football venues, a 70-year-old cathedral of Moroccan football culture nestled in the heart of Casablanca's Maarif neighborhood. With its 45,000-seat capacity, this iconic stadium has witnessed seven decades of passionate derby battles, continental glory, and national pride. As an AFCON 2025 host venue, the stadium has undergone extensive modernization while preserving the electric atmosphere that makes it one of the continent's most intimidating arenas. Discover more host venues in our complete guide to AFCON 2025 stadiums.

Stadium Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Official Name	Complexe Sportif Mohammed-V
Historic Name	Stade Marcel Cerdan (1955-1956)
Arabic Name	مركّب محمد الخامس
Location	Rue Ahmed Lazrak, Maarif, Casablanca 20250
Capacity	45,000 (post-2025 renovation)
Opened	March 6, 1955
Home Teams	Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca, Morocco National Team
Record Attendance	110,000 (1997 Casablanca Derby - pre-renovation)
Pitch Dimensions	105m × 68m (FIFA standard)
Surface	Hybrid natural grass
AFCON 2025 Role	6 Group Stage + 1 Round of 16 + Third-place Playoff
Nearest Airport	Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) - 30 km

History & Heritage

The Marcel Cerdan Era (1955-1956)

The stadium's story begins in March 1955, when it opened as Stade Marcel Cerdan, named after the legendary French-Algerian boxer. Built during the final years of the French Protectorate, the original 30,000-seat venue was Morocco's first modern football stadium.

Rebirth as Mohammed V (1956)

Following Morocco's independence in 1956, the stadium was immediately renamed Stade Mohammed V in honor of King Mohammed V, who led the nation to independence. This symbolic renaming reclaimed the stadium as a monument to Moroccan sovereignty.

The Golden Era of Expansion (1981-2000)

1981 renovation: Capacity increased to 80,000 with new upper tiers

1983 Mediterranean Games: Hosted the opening ceremony

1988 AFCON: Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations

1997 peak: 110,000 spectators for a Casablanca derby—the highest attendance in stadium history

Modern Era Transformations (2000-2025)

2000 renovation: Capacity reduced to 67,000 for improved safety

2007 upgrade: VIP facilities and media infrastructure

2024-2025 AFCON renovation: Major modernization bringing capacity to 45,000 with FIFA/CAF-standard facilities

The Casablanca Derby: Africa's Fiercest Rivalry

The Casablanca Derby between Raja Club Athletic (the Greens) and Wydad Athletic Club (the Reds) is consistently ranked among the world's most intense football rivalries.

The Cultural Divide

Raja CA (founded 1949): Traditionally supported by working-class Casablancans from the old medina. Green and white colors. Nicknamed "The Eagles" (Al Oqab).

Wydad AC (founded 1937): Historically associated with the bourgeoisie of the ville nouvelle. Red and white colors. Known as "The Reds" (Al Hamra).

Derby Day Atmosphere

Pre-Match: Fans gather 4-5 hours before kickoff with drumming circles

Tifo Displays: Massive choreographed displays covering entire stands

Sound Wall: Noise exceeding 100 decibels

Post-Match: Celebrations spill into streets for hours

Derby Survival Tips

Book tickets 2-3 months in advance

Arrive 3+ hours early for security screening

Choose your side carefully—sit with Raja (north) OR Wydad (south)

Bring earplugs if sensitive to noise

Wear neutral colors if you have no allegiance

Getting to Mohammed V Stadium

From Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

Option 1: ONCF Airport Train (Fastest)

Route: Airport → Casa Voyageurs Station → Taxi/tram to stadium

Duration: 23 min train + 10-15 min taxi

Cost: ~70-80 MAD total (~$7-8)

Option 2: Direct Airport Taxi

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Cost: 280-350 MAD (~$28-35)

Option 3: Ride-Sharing Apps

Apps: Careem, Heetch (Uber not available)

Cost: 150-250 MAD (~$15-25)

From Casablanca City Center

By Tramway:

Nearest Stops: "Abdelmoumen" or "Zerktouni" (Line 1)

Cost: 7 MAD per ride (~$0.70)

Then 15-minute walk or short taxi

By Petit Taxi:

From City Center: 50-70 MAD (~$5-7)

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Color: Red body with blue roof

Parking

Official Stadium Parking: 1,000+ spaces, 20-30 MAD

Arrive 2+ hours early for group stage matches

Stadium Facilities & Services

Seating Configuration

Main Tribune (West Stand)

Capacity: ~8,000 seats

Features: VIP boxes, covered seating, best sightlines

Best for: Families, tourists, comfort seekers

North & South Stands (Virage Nord/Sud)

Capacity: ~15,000 each

Raja fans: Typically Virage Nord

Wydad fans: Typically Virage Sud

Best for: Authentic atmosphere

East Stand (Tribune Est)

Capacity: ~7,000 seats

Best for: Budget-conscious visitors

VIP & Hospitality

1 VVIP Salon with gourmet catering

2 VIP Salons (800-1,500 MAD)

10 Private Boxes (8-12 seats each)

130 VIP parking spaces

Food & Beverage

11 Fast-Food Blocks throughout stadium

Moroccan options: kefta, chicken, merguez sandwiches

Beverages: Soft drinks, coffee, mint tea (no alcohol)

Prices: 20-50 MAD per item

Accessibility

Wheelchair seating in Main Tribune

Accessible restrooms on ground level

Ramps and elevators throughout

Contact ticketing offices in advance for accessible seating

Where to Stay

Luxury (5-Star)

Le Casablanca Hotel ★★★★★

Distance: 0.2 km (adjacent to stadium!)

Price: $150-250/night

Features: Rooftop pool with stadium views, spa

Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca ★★★★★

Distance: 2.4 km

Price: $300-600/night

Features: Beachfront, Michelin-level dining

Mid-Range (3-4 Star)

Onomo Hotel Casablanca ★★★★

Distance: 0.3 km (5-min walk)

Price: $100-180/night

Best value near stadium

Kenzi Tower Hotel ★★★★

Distance: 1 km

Price: $110-190/night

Tallest building in Morocco

Budget

Ibis Casa Voyageurs ★★★

Distance: 5 km (near railway station)

Price: $50-80/night

Nearby Attractions

Hassan II Mosque (5 km)

Africa's largest mosque, world's tallest minaret

Tours: 120 MAD (~$12)

Old Medina (2 km)

Traditional souks, spice markets, artisan workshops

Corniche Beach (3 km)

Beach clubs, cafes, ocean views

Rick's Café (4 km)

Recreation of the iconic bar from "Casablanca" film

Match Day Survival Guide

Before the Match

Timing:

Arrive 2 hours early for regular matches

Arrive 3+ hours early for derby/AFCON matches

What to Bring:

Match ticket (print physical copy as backup)

Photo ID (passport for international visitors)

Small bag only, cash, portable charger

Light jacket for evening matches

During the Match

Go to restroom before match starts

Buy snacks before kickoff

Stand when others stand; participate in chants

Don't cross into opposing team's sections

After the Match

Expect 20-60 minutes to exit

Petit taxis line up outside (50-70 MAD to city center)

Stay aware of surroundings

Practical Information

Tickets

Club Matches:

Raja CA: rcacasa.ma, 80-150 MAD

Wydad AC: wydad.com, similar pricing

Derby: 200-500 MAD (sell out in hours)

AFCON 2025:

Portal: tickets.cafonline.com

Fan ID required via YALLA app

Prices: $10-100+ depending on category

Language

Primary: Moroccan Arabic (Darija)

Widespread: French

Limited: English

Weather

Summer: 25-30°C, evening matches pleasant

Winter: 12-18°C, bring light jacket

AFCON (Dec-Jan): 15-20°C, possible rain

Emergency Contacts

Police: 19

Ambulance: 15

Tourist Police: +212 5 22 27 08 66

Essential Links

SONARGES: [email protected] | +212 537 798 303

FRMF: [email protected] | +212 537 540 600

AFCON Tickets: tickets.cafonline.com

Fan ID: www.yallamorocco.ma

ONCF Railway: oncf.ma

Casablanca Tramway: casatramway.ma

Experience the heart of Moroccan football. Experience the legend. Experience Mohammed V.

*Last Updated: November 29, 2025*