In the Moroccan town of El Mansouria, 38 kilometers north of Casablanca, a monumental project is underway: the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II. With a planned capacity of 115,000 spectators, it is poised to become the largest football stadium in the world. This ambitious endeavor is a key part of Morocco's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The project was initially planned for Morocco's bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, alongside four other new stadiums, but the stadium was put on hold due to Morocco losing their bid to South Africa.
Its construction was finally confirmed in October 2023 after the announcement of Morocco's hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
King Mohammed VI, who succeeded King Hassan II in 1999, is driving the new stadium’s construction effort.
After its completion, two of Morocco’s professional soccer teams will play in the arena.
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It will also be one of six stadiums that host games during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is slated to unilaterally host with Spain and Portugal.
The Grand Stade Hassan II will provide extraordinary spaces that create exceptional experiences for every fan and every visitor,” said François Clément, a senior principal at Populous.
Once completed in 2028, it will be used mostly for football matches and will serve as the home of the Morocco national football team.
The stadium is planned to have a capacity of 115,000 spectators, making it the largest football stadium in the world.
Grand Stade Hassan II Design
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Design and Architecture
The design for the Grand Stade Hassan II, conceived by Populous and Oualalou + Choi, won an international competition, surpassing submissions from renowned firms such as Cruz y Ortiz, Foster + Partners, and Zaha Hadid Architects. The design draws inspiration from Moroccan culture, featuring a spectacular translucent roof made from an aluminum lattice, with an oasis of greenery incorporated underneath.
The design takes inspiration from Moroccan moussem, large meetings or gatherings which in traditional Berber culture refers to a festival event where a variety of activities are hosted.
Underneath the bowl will be a ring of 32 stairways that create monumental gateways replete with lush gardens on raised platforms about 90 feet above grade.
New renderings of the stadium show the undulating, tented white roof made of aluminum.
The illustrations depict the stadium in a rural, grassy landscape with long, almost circuitous paved paths leading up to the venue.
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The stadium's main seating area is structured with three steep tiers at each end, accommodating 29,500 spectators per end. This arrangement aims to create an engaging and energetic atmosphere.
In addition to these general admission areas, the stadium includes five levels of hospitality along each side of the pitch, providing seating for 12,000 VVIP, VIP, and hospitality guests, as well as a Royal box.
The stadium's design aims to optimize the spectator experience and functionality, creating an iconic landmark that integrates into and enhances the urban fabric.
The roof is a standout feature of the design, constructed from a unique aluminum lattice.
The structure is supported by 32 stairways that form monumental gateways leading to elevated gardens, situated 28 meters above ground.
These gardens offer a distinctive spatial experience, creating a green environment beneath the translucent roof.
The design also incorporates botanical gardens at ground level, further enhancing the stadium's connection to nature.
“The Grand Stade Hassan II is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, with its traditions and contemporary expressions. It is rooted in ancient and primordial figures: the Moussem, the tent, and the garden, as well as the topography and landscapes of Morocco. Its a generous space, open to the world and respectful to the Nature it protects. The Grand Stade Hassan II de Casablanca is the embodiment of the great tradition of Moroccan hospitality,” said Tarik Oualalou, Design Principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi.
Grand Stade Hassan II Design
Stadium Layout and Features
The stadium will have two single-tier stands at either end of the pitch. Described as "colossal", the stadium bowl will have three tiers of seating on each of the main stands.
The Grand Stade Hassan II is designed to meet FIFA standards, making it a potential venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, with Morocco designated as a joint host along with Spain and Portugal.
Additionally, the stadium will serve as the home ground for two local football clubs.
Building The Largest Stadium In The World
Construction and Timeline
Preparation for construction is underway on a 100-hectare site in El Mansouria, Benslimane Province, 38 km north of Casablanca, following public financing approval in October 2023.
Public financing was secured for the project in October 2023, and groundwork is already underway at the site in Benslimane.
On 20 October 2023, the government and the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion signed an agreement that allocates approximately 5 billion dirhams to the stadium construction over the period 2025 - 2028.
It also launched the renovation of the other stadiums to host the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup.
9.5 billion dirhams will be mobilized to conform six stadiums to CAF standards in the 2023 - 2025 period.
Over the years, there have been persistent rumors surrounding the construction of a new stadium and its anticipated completion timing.
These speculations gained momentum, particularly after Stade Mohammed V suffered damages from multiple games of its tenants Raja CA and Wydad AC.
The situation took a new turn after the historic qualification of the Morocco national football team for the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
This achievement prompted the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to take the lead in hosting major football events, such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Furthermore, a promising collaboration with Spain and Portugal has emerged as they jointly bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
This progress has reignited discussions about the long-desired construction of the Grand Stade de Casablanca, initially proposed for the 2010 and 2026 World Cups.
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