Full article

Morocco prepares its stadium to dazzle at the World Cup 2030

Morocco is preparing to take a giant leap forward in the world of football with the construction of the new Grand Stadium Hassan II in Casablanca. Designed by the prestigious American architectural firm Populous, in collaboration with the Franco-Moroccan firm Oulalous + Choi (O+C), this impressive colossus promises to be an architectural jewel and one of the most spectacular venues in world football.

With a capacity of 115,000 spectators, the Grand Hassan II Stadium will not only be the largest on the planet, it also aspires to be one of the most iconic. Populous architects have confirmed that the stadium will comply with all FIFA regulations, making it an ideal candidate to host the 2030 World Cup Final, which Morocco will host alongside Spain and Portugal - a unique opportunity for African football to shine on the biggest stage of all!

The stadium's design is inspired by Morocco's rich culture, taking its cue from the traditional tents of the ‘musem’ festivals and the country's vibrant natural environment. Imagine an immense pavilion reminiscent of a giant Moroccan tent, surrounded by a dense forest that brings a touch of freshness and nature to this sporting colossus. This integration of contemporary architecture with Moroccan ancestral traditions promises to offer an unprecedented visual and cultural experience to all who visit the stadium.

Tarik Oualalou, design director and lead architect of the project, underlines that the stadium will be deeply connected to the Moroccan identity: ‘The Grand Hassan II Stadium is rooted in the local culture, combining elements of tradition and modernity. Its design is inspired by ancestral forms and landscapes, such as the musem, the shops and the typical gardens, reflecting Morocco's unique topography’.

One of the most striking features of the stadium will be its seating capacity. It will have three steep, compact stands at each end of the pitch, capable of holding up to 29,500 fans each. In addition, the main stands will be designed with five hospitality levels, which will include areas for 12,000 spectators, including VIP areas, boxes and the prestigious Royal Box. All of this will be covered by an aluminium roof that will provide shade and protection without detracting one iota from the vibrant atmosphere of a big match.

But this is not just a football stadium. Covering an area of 100 hectares in the town of Mansouria in the province of Benslimane, some 38 kilometres north of Casablanca, this project is much more than just a sports venue. It will be a complex that will include green areas, recreational areas and multiple facilities that will turn the environment into a meeting point for fans and the community in general. A space designed to experience football and much more.

Funding for the stadium was approved in October 2023, and preparations to start construction are already underway. This ambitious project aims not only to provide Morocco with a world-class infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup, but also a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes and fans. A place where new stories will be written and where the dreams of thousands of children can come true.

In short, the Grand Stadium Hassan II of Casablanca is much more than an architectural project; it is a statement of intent from a country that is committed to sport as an engine of development and unity. With a design that combines tradition and modernity, and a capacity to hold over 100,000 spectators, this stadium not only promises to be the heart of Moroccan football, but also a symbol of pride for an entire continent. As we look forward to the 2030 World Cup, the Grand Hassan II Stadium stands as one of the great jewels of world football, ready to shine at football's greatest event.