Lhe Morocco-SpainPortugal trio offers an impressive selection of 20 stadiums in total: 6 in Morocco, 11 in Spain and 3 in Portugal. This number far exceeds the minimum required of 14 stadiums to host the competition. Of these 20 stadiums, one is an entirely new construction, while several others will be extensively renovated.
The stadiums proposed by Morocco: an unprecedented ambition
Five of Morocco’s six stadiums will host matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. All are under construction or renovation and appear to meet the majority, if not all, of FIFA’s requirements, according to the organization. Among them, the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca is particularly notable. This ambitious project, already underway, aims to become the largest football stadium in the world. Overview of the technical characteristics of Moroccan stadiums.
Grand stade Hassan II
The Grand Stade Hassan II is an ambitious project aimed at creating the largest football stadium in the world in terms of capacity, with modern infrastructure and facilities. It is being proposed as a potential venue for the opening match or the final. Construction work has already started and is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. The stadium will serve as a catalyst for the development of a 100-hectare sports complex. Its planned gross capacity of 115,000 will significantly exceed the minimum requirement of 80,000, required to host an opening match and/or a final.
The stadium will be located between Casablanca and Rabat, in a newly developed area, served by a continental highway (currently under construction) and a future high-speed rail link. Overall, the stadium will offer modern infrastructure and facilities. During the FIFA inspection visit in September 2024, the project team in Morocco made a comprehensive presentation. Although still in the early stages, their plans included well-organized maps highlighting key areas, with some suggested adjustments. Significant additional space is available to accommodate any needs that may emerge. The space available within the stadium for temporary infrastructure appears sufficient to meet the requirements. Key spaces, such as the broadcast center and parking areas provide ample space to be reconfigured if necessary.
Additionally, a credible plan was presented to accommodate the required spaces inside and immediately outside the stadium. The availability of hospitality seats and boxes meets, and in some cases exceeds, the minimum requirements for an opening match or final. The accessible seating arrangement and associated sanitary facilities also meet the required standards. The proposed orientation of the stadium complies with the requirements, with the main stand located to the west, and the planned roof will cover the media and VIP stands. The reinforced hybrid turf playing field, equipped with an extraction and ventilation system, should be up to standard. The dimensions of the playing field and surrounding area are correct. Technical installations should meet standards.
The stadium will be powered by several independent power lines, and a new lighting system compliant with FIFA A standard will be installed, as well as two giant screens and IT&T systems meeting the requirements. Besides, the stadium authorities are also planning to install a building management system. Morocco is committed to obtaining certification of sustainable buildings and operations equivalent to Leed Gold level. The new stadium will also become the “home” of two major Moroccan clubs, Raja athletic club and Wydad athletic club, as well as a venue for the Moroccan national team, providing lasting benefits to national and international football.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is being proposed by organizers as a potential venue to host matches up to the semi-final. Built in 1983 for the Mediterranean Games, it is currently undergoing a major renovation in preparation for hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN). This work will increase its gross capacity to 68,700 seats, exceeding the minimum requirement of 60,000 seats. for a semi-final site. The renovation will include improved hospitality facilities, as well as roof covering for the majority of the stadium. In addition, the surface of the field will be lowered and the existing athletics track will be removed. Overall, these works are expected to provide the stadium with modern infrastructure and facilities, which will also benefit the local men’s and women’s teams.
Grand stadium of Tangier
The Grand Stade de Tangier is proposed by organizers as a potential venue to host matches up to the semi-final. Built in 2011, it is currently undergoing a major renovation in preparation for hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN), which will increase its gross capacity to 75,600 seats. This capacity will exceed the minimum requirement of 60,000 seats required for a semi-final venue.
Grand stadium of Agadir
The Grand Stade d’Agadir is proposed by the organizers as a potential venue to host matches up to the quarter-final stage. Built in 2013, the stadium is undergoing a major renovation to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN). This renovation will bring the gross capacity of the stadium to 46,000 seats, thus exceeding the minimum requirement of 40,000. places for a quarter-final site. Work is already underway, supported by a clear timetable and guarantees from local authorities regarding funding until the project is completed. The renovated stadium will provide modernized infrastructure for the local club, Hassania Agadir, and will also be used by the Moroccan national team.
Fez Stadium
The Fez stadium is being proposed as a potential venue to host matches up to the quarter-finals. Built in 2007, the stadium is undergoing a major renovation to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN). This renovation will increase the gross capacity of the stadium to 55,800 seats, exceeding the minimum requirement of 40,000 seats. for a quarter-final site. The renovated stadium will provide modernized infrastructure for local club Maghreb de Fez and will also be used by the Moroccan national team.
Large stadium in Marrakech
The Grand Stade de Marrakech is being proposed by organizers as a potential venue to host matches up to the quarter-finals. Built in 2011, it is undergoing a major renovation to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN). This renovation will increase the gross capacity of the stadium to 45,860 seats, thus exceeding the minimum requirement of 40,000 seats for a quarter-final site. In terms of legacy, the renovated stadium will provide a modernized infrastructure for the local club, Kawkab de Marrakech, bringing lasting benefits to the footballing community.
