The Largest Stadium in 2030 World Cup
The final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is nearly six years away, but the design for the stadium expected to host the match has been unveiled.
The Grand Stade Hassan II in Morocco – one of the three co-hosting countries, alongside Spain and Portugal – is projected to be one of the world’s largest football stadiums, with a planned capacity of 115,000. Located on a 100-hectare (about 247 acres) site in El Mansouria, north of Casablanca, the stadium’s design is inspired by a traditional Moroccan tent called a “moussem,” according to designers Oualolou + Choi and Populous. The structure will feature an aluminum lattice covering both the seating area and the surrounding tiered gardens, as well as a botanical garden on the ground floor.
Tarik Oualalou, design principal at Oualalou + Choi, stated that the design reflects Moroccan culture, drawing from traditional elements like the moussem, tent, and garden, as well as Moroccan landscapes. The stadium’s layout is designed with FIFA World Cup events in mind, with separate zones for general admission fans and a main section for VIPs and hospitality. Christopher Lee, managing director at Populous EMEA, described it as a potential landmark for Morocco and global football.
When compared to other large stadiums, the Grand Stade Hassan II will have a capacity of 115,000, placing it among the largest. The Narendra Modi Stadium in India holds 132,000, while the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea has an official capacity of 150,000, though it’s estimated to now seat about 114,000 after renovations.