After many years of Morocco's efforts to get a big stadium in Casablanca, it seems that we have not yet come so close to building a new venue. How have plans been made for the arena that could possibly be the final stadium of the 2030 World Cup?

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Morocco's big ambitions

The first concrete plans for a large new stadium in Casablanca came about in the early 2000s, on the occasion of Morocco's bid to host the 2010 World Cup. The championships were to be organised in an African country, so Morocco's chances were seen as realistic at the time, but in a vote held on 15 May 2004, South Africa's bid was better rated.

In 2010, a new concept, with reference to the desert rose, was prepared by the French office SCAU. In 2011, an architectural competition was held with renowned studios from around the world. It was won by the vision of the Space Group consortium from Norway and the local Belahmer Said. None of the new projects also lived to see realisation.

© Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos

Grand Stade de Casablanca - the stadium for the World Cup final?

Another concept for the venue emerged in 2018, on the occasion of Morocco's candidature to host the 2026 World Cup. The project was prepared by Spain's Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos, and the stadium was to hold 93,000 spectators and become a potential arena for the opening match and the final. However, Morocco this time lost the battle to host the World Cup to the combined bid of Canada, the United States and Mexico.

With Morocco being awarded the role of co-host of the 2030 World Cup, the construction of a new stadium in Casablanca is almost certain. The Moroccans would even like to host the final match at Grand Stade de Casablanca. It is possible that a new concept will be prepared for the 2030 World Cup. There have even been claims that the venue should be even larger to accommodate 113,000 spectators.

What will Grand Stade de Casablanca ultimately look like and what size will it reach? Whether or not the stadium venue will boast a capacity of over 100 000, it has to be considered for hosting the World Cup final. However, there are plenty of rivals - the favourite to become the venue for the biggest match of the year is Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Spotify Camp Nou, which will reach a capacity of 105,000 spectators after renovation, cannot be excluded from the race for the final either.

© Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos