Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, a historic event marking the centenary of the first World Cup and the North African country is making significant investments in infrastructure, including developing a brand of new outstanding stadium with the aim to be a premium sport destination.
The designation to host a more than relevant event it was for the Maghrebi Kingdom more than a sporting victory, it was seen a unique opportunity to assess the country’s ambition of being a sporting nation od relevance in the international landscape.
Now, as the countdown begins, Morocco is racing ahead with a sweeping infrastructure program that will transform its sports landscape from Casablanca and Rabat to Tangier and Fes, the African nation is turning it into one of the best equipped destinations in the continent to welcome future international sport events of high level.
At the heart of this plan is the the Grand Stade Hassan II located in Benslimane, or Ben Slimane, a town in north - central Morocco situated 20 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Ocean at the edge of the Ziaka cork oak forest between the cities of Casablanca and Rabat.
This colossal new stadium under construction will be the second largest stadium in the globe as well as the largest in the African continent once completed with 115.000 seats.
Its design is rooted in Moroccan culture, the shape is similar to a traditional Moussem - style tent while surrounding gardens will follow the pattern of a traditional Moroccan patio.
In addition the design hopes to be 45 – 60% more energy - efficient than a typical stadium, the project is expected to be ready by 2028, well ahead of the World Cup kickoff.
Built to be the new national stadium, at an estimated cost of US$500 million, the future stadium will also turn into a new icon for the country, hosting the Moroccan national team for the most important tournaments and serving as a future home for clubs like Raja CA and Wydad AC.
The Grand Stade Hassan II is only part of a nationwide overhaul of sport facilities because the African Kingdom is also renovating and expanding several existing venues to meet FIFA’s strict standards in a process that doubles as preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations that will take place from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026 that will be a major rehearsal to the FIFA event.
Due to this soon - to come event, Morocco inaugurated the Prince Moulay Abedellah Stadium located in the capital of the country, Rabat.
This massive infrastructure newly opened in September 2025. It was built in two years, its design features a unique LED façade, a 360° wind - shielding roof, and stands close to the pitch for improved atmosphere.
This new stadium boasts a capacity of 68.700 spectators is designed to host up to the semi – finals of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
A further development involved Tangier’s Ibn Stadium, a multi - use stadium located in Tangier, a vibrant city in northwestern Morocco, on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, a strategic port on the Strait of Gibraltar since Phoenician times.
Mostly used for football matches and big events such as ceremonies or concerts, the stadium will accommodate more spectators as its capacity is being expanded from 68.000 to almost 77.000 seats.
Another project includes Fez or Fes Stadium, located in Fes, a northeastern Moroccan city often referred as the country’s cultural capital, known for its ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is also set to play a major role for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The capacity of this multi - purpose stadium within the Fez Sports Complex will be boosted from 35.000 spectators to 55.800 by 2028.
Morocco has earnmarked nearly US$2 billion for new constructions and refurbishment with a massive investment that extends far beyond football.
Transport infrastructure, airport terminals, new roads and hotels and even the world’s tallest Ferris wheel in Rabat at a height of 264 metres are the planning or already in construction. All these projects should be ready before 2030 to serve and accommodate millions of visitors during the FIFA World Cup.
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