Morocco is moving ahead with one of the world's most ambitious sports projects as it builds the Grand Stade Hassan II, a giant stadium that aims to become the largest football arena on the planet. The spectacular facility, which is being built near Casablanca, will have a capacity of around 115 spectators, leaving iconic stadiums such as Camp Nou, Wembley and the Santiago Bernabeu behind.
The project is part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. The stadium is being built in the El Mansouria area, in the Benslimane province, about 40 kilometers from Casablanca, on an area of approximately 100 hectares. According to the plan, it will be ready before the 2030 World Cup, with the objective of completing the works by 2028.
What makes the project unique is not only its size, but also its design. The architecture is inspired by traditional Moroccan tents known as “Moussem”, used in cultural gatherings and large celebrations.
The conceptual renderings show a giant semi-transparent metal roof, designed to let in natural light and create shaded spaces, avoiding the enclosed feel of many modern stadiums. Gardens, auxiliary fields, hospitality spaces and entertainment areas are also planned around the stadium, with the aim of turning the complex into a major sports and tourism hub.
The total cost of the project is estimated at around 460 million euros. Moroccan authorities see the stadium as a symbol of a new era of football in the country, following the Moroccan national team's historic success at the 2022 World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals.
