• Record-Breaking Scale: Morocco has revealed plans for the Grand Stade Hassan II, a massive 115,000-seat arena set to become the largest football stadium in the world.
• 2030 World Cup Centerpiece: Built in Benslimane, near Casablanca, the stadium will serve as a primary venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal.
• Cultural Design Blueprint: Designed by global architectural firm Populous alongside Paris-based Oualalou + Choi, the structure takes visual inspiration from the moussem—a traditional Moroccan gathering tent—featuring a grand aluminum lattice canopy.
• Long-Term Urban Hub: The surrounding complex will feature training grounds, hotels, aquatic centers, and retail spaces to keep the venue active well beyond the tournament.

Sure, the World Cup may have just ended, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to 2030. All signs point to the next World Cup being a grand event for the ages. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the country is making a massive statement with its flagship venue: the Grand Stade Hassan II.

Located in Benslimane, just outside Casablanca, the newly unveiled stadium will boast an unprecedented capacity of 115,000 seats. Once completed, it will officially overtake North Korea’s Rungrado 1st of May Stadium to claim the title of the largest football stadium on Earth.

Traditional Heritage Meets Modern Engineering

The visual concept behind the arena comes from renowned sports architecture practice Populous, working in partnership with Paris-based firm Oualalou + Choi.

Rather than opting for a generic futuristic shell, the design draws directly from North African heritage. The stadium’s defining feature is a towering aluminum lattice roof designed to resemble a moussem—the traditional large tent used for Moroccan cultural gatherings and festivals. The canopy provides full coverage for spectators while giving the building an unmistakable silhouette against the landscape.

• Seating Capacity: 115,000
• Location: Benslimane (Casablanca-Settat Region, Morocco)
• Lead Architects: Populous + Oualalou + Choi
• Primary Event Use: 2030 FIFA World Cup (Targeting Final Match Hosting)
• Structural Highlights: Aluminum lattice tent canopy, multi-tiered bowl seating, and integrated landscape gardens

A Future Entertainment and Cultural Hub

Beyond hosting world-class tournament fixtures, the site is planned as a permanent community anchor for the Casablanca area. The broader footprint around the stadium will feature state-of-the-art training facilities, aquatic centers, luxury hotels, and extensive retail arcades.

By blending traditional design with sheer scale, the Grand Stade Hassan II sets a bold new standard for sports architecture as Morocco prepares to take center stage in 2030.

Featured Photo: Populus