Morocco, co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, is planning to construct the largest stadium in Africa to mark the occasion. The new stadium will be located in Casablanca and is expected to open in time for the tournament. According to Moroccan authorities and the national football federation, the Casablanca venue will be the only stadium in the country built entirely from scratch for the World Cup, while five other existing stadiums will be renovated.
Record-Breaking Capacity
The Casablanca stadium is projected to hold 115,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Africa. Currently, that title belongs to South Africa’s First National Bank Stadium in Johannesburg, with a capacity of around 95,000. Upon completion, the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca will rank among the world’s largest, trailing only the Salt Lake Stadium in India, which can host up to 120,000 fans.
A Historic World Cup for Morocco
In addition to Casablanca, Morocco will upgrade stadiums in Tangier, Agadir, Rabat, Fez, and Marrakesh, increasing their capacities to between 42,000 and 65,000. Spain and Portugal have submitted a total of 14 stadiums for the tournament, with Spain offering 11 and Portugal 3. This marks the second time an African nation will host the World Cup, following South Africa in 2010. The 2030 tournament will also begin with special matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
