One Country Is Building a 115,000-Seat Stadium to Change Its Future.
Morocco is constructing the Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca, a stadium that will have a capacity of approximately 115,000 spectators
Source: VORTEX Control
As part of its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is constructing the Grand Stade Hassan II near Casablanca, a stadium that will have a capacity of approximately 115,000 spectators, making it one of the largest football stadiums ever built. The project is currently around 30% complete and Morocco aims to finish construction by the end of 2027.
Some impressive facts:
- Location: Benslimane Province, approximately 38 km northeast of Casablanca.
- Capacity: 115,000 spectators, making it the largest football stadium in the world upon completion.
- Site Area: Approximately 100 hectares (247 acres).
- Estimated Cost: Around 5 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately $500 million), although some sources indicate the total program value could be higher when associated infrastructure is included.
Design Team
The stadium was designed by:
- Populous
- Oualalou + Choi
The design is inspired by the traditional Moroccan Moussem tent, featuring a massive translucent roof canopy that covers the stadium and surrounding public spaces.
Construction Team
The main construction contract was awarded to a joint venture between:
- TGCC
- SGTM
The contract for the main construction phase was reported at approximately $320 million.
- Purpose: Morocco's bid to host the 2030 World Cup Final alongside Spain and Portugal.
Schedule Milestones:
Earthworks Started => August 2024
Main Construction Phase => 2025
Current Progress => ~30% complete
Target Completion => December 2027
Operational Readiness => 2028
FIFA World Cup => 2030
The project is reportedly operating on three shifts per day to maintain the aggressive schedule. Around 40% of the grandstands have already been completed.
What makes this particularly interesting from a construction perspective is that the stadium itself is only part of the investment. The stadium is being supported by::
- New highway connections.
- More than 60 km of new road improvements.
- A future high-speed rail station.
- Regional express rail service.
- Parking for over 10,000 vehicles.
- Direct connections to Casablanca, Rabat, and Mohammed V Airport.
The overall World Cup-related infrastructure program exceeds $20 billion and is transforming transportation and logistics networks across the country.