Morocco is eagerly preparing to host the 2030 World Cup, marked by ambitious projects like the Grand Stadium of Casablanca, which aims to be the largest globally with 115,000 seats. While financial concerns persist, infrastructure developments are underway across the nation, promising long-term benefits for tourism and the economy. The government is committed to ensuring the stadium remains a valuable asset post-World Cup, with plans for ongoing sports events and activities to keep it vibrant.
Morocco’s Ambitious Journey Towards Hosting the 2030 World Cup
For many years, Morocco has been on a quest to secure the opportunity to host a football World Cup. Excitement is building as the world prepares for the 2030 tournament in North Africa, which is sparking a significant construction boom across the nation.
Grand Stadium of Casablanca: A Vision in Progress
Among the most talked-about projects is the Grand Stadium of Casablanca, a monumental endeavor that remains shrouded in mystery. Key details such as the final cost and architectural design are still under wraps. However, what is known is that Morocco plans to construct the largest football stadium globally, boasting an impressive capacity of 115,000 seats. This future landmark, named Hassan II, will be nestled in lush green fields near the bustling metropolis of Casablanca.
As the project unfolds, many local merchants find themselves anxious about their financial futures. Mouher Lahcen, a seasoned advisor for sports infrastructure in Morocco, highlights the nation’s historical inclination toward greatness. He emphasizes that Morocco is more than capable of achieving this monumental feat, supported by its legacy of impressive constructions, including the once largest mosque in the world, built by King Hassan II.
The nation is also home to Africa’s fastest train, the Mohamed VI Tower—the tallest skyscraper on the continent—and a massive seawater desalination plant currently underway. However, there are concerns about abandoned projects, such as the opera house in Rabat, which has been completed for five years without use.
Mouher Lahcen points out that hosting the World Cup will elevate Morocco’s profile globally, benefiting not only tourism but the entire economy. While the final capacity of the Grand Stade de Casablanca remains uncertain, groundwork has already commenced in Benslimane, involving essential preparations like clearing, utility connections, and road infrastructure to facilitate the influx of visitors for the upcoming football festival.
With high expectations for the 2030 World Cup, Lahcen’s dreams align with the nation’s aspirations. He is in high demand, even receiving visits from delegations like one from Burkina Faso, eager to learn about Morocco’s preparations for this prestigious global event.
Yet, Lahcen acknowledges the financial challenges, stating, “We do not have the funds for that either. However, FIFA must compensate for the investments, as they share the revenues with the host countries.” The estimated costs for this monumental project exceed 400 million euros.
As Morocco gears up to host the Africa Cup by the end of 2025, a surge of construction activity is evident, with stadiums from Tangier to Agadir undergoing expansion and modernization. Investments of several billion US dollars are anticipated to flow into Morocco’s infrastructure, encompassing hotels, transportation, and sports facilities by the time the World Cup arrives.
Unlike Qatar, where many stadiums faced dismantling post-event due to a lack of local football culture, Moroccan officials assert that the largest stadium will not become an investment ruin. Abderrahim el-Yadini, an architect for the Moroccan Planning Ministry, confidently states, “The stadium will be a valuable asset for Morocco; here, football is a religion.”
This commitment to maintaining the stadium’s relevance indicates that large crowds for sports events will continue long after the World Cup concludes. Furthermore, various concerts and festivals are expected to keep the venue bustling with activity.
As for the timeline, while the exact completion date of the world’s largest football stadium remains uncertain, Yadini assures that it will be ready well in advance of the 2030 World Cup, with a target set for the end of 2028.