Grand Stade de Casablanca – design description

What were the first plans for a new stadium in Casablanca?

When were the first plans made for the new Grand Stade de Casablanca?

The first concrete plans for a new, large stadium in Casablanca began to emerge back in the late 20th century. In connection with Morocco's candidacy to host the 2006 World Cup, a facility for 80,000 spectators was to be built. In July 2000, however, Germany was chosen to host the championship, and the plan did not live to see fruition.

When were further concepts for the Grand Stade de Casablanca created?

Further plans emerged on the occasion of Morocco's candidacy to host the 2010 World Cup. The championship this time was to be held in some African country, so Morocco's chances were seen as real at the time, but in a vote held on May 15, 2004, South Africa's bid was better evaluated.

The new stadium was to be built in the Sidi Moumen district, with a capacity of 95,000 spectators. After the failure of the Moroccan bid, the project was not realized, although in subsequent years it was declared that the stadium would still be built, but with a smaller capacity of 70,000 spectators. At the time, the cost of building the venue was estimated at more than 2 billion dirhams.

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

What vision for a new stadium in Casablanca was presented for the 2026 World Cup?

Another concept appeared in 2018, on the occasion of Morocco's candidacy 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 be the venue for the opening match and the final. However, Morocco this time lost the battle to host the World Cup to the combined candidacy of Canada, United States and Mexico, and the project for a new stadium in Casablanca once again remained unimplemented.

What was the concept prepared by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos?

The vision for the Grand Stade de Casablanca was to create a football-specific facility with a capacity of 93,000 spectators. The stands were to be divided into two tiers. Despite the football-oriented, rectangular layout inside, the outer contour of the building was to be circular. The structure was to be crowned by a huge, distinctive roof reminiscent of a hat, very similar to that of Atlético Madrid's stadium, also designed by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos.

Where was the Grand Stade de Casablanca to be built?

In the course of planning a new stadium for Casablanca, the proposed location changed several times. In addition to the Sidi Moumen neighborhood, the facility was to be built in Lahraouiyine or the suburb of Bouskoura. The project from Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos was scheduled for construction in Benslimane, located a considerable distance from Casablanca (about 40 kilometers), and about 60 kilometers from Rabat. According to information from Morocco's official bid to host the 2026 World Cup, construction was to cost $404 million.

Who was the Grand Stade de Casablanca supposed to serve?

Aside from the 2026 World Cup, on a day-to-day basis, the Grand Stade de Casablanca was to serve two local clubs (Wydad and Raja), whose matches count among some of the most famous derby games in the world. As the largest stadium in the country (and one of the largest in Africa), the venue was also intended to serve as the de facto national stadium and serve as a frequent venue for Morocco's national team.

Which design replaced Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos' 2018 vision?

Morocco decided to apply to host the next World Cup, in 2030, which was the country's sixth attempt. Initially, Morocco wanted to compete on its own, but eventually joined the common initiative of Spain and Portugal. This time the attempt was successful – on October 4, 2023 Spain, Portugal and Morocco were announced as the hosts of the tournament, in addition to three South American countries: Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, which are to host one match each.

With Morocco awarded the role of co-host of the 2030 World Cup, the construction of a new stadium in Casablanca finally became almost certain. The Moroccans wanted to seize the opportunity and set their sights on an even more ambitious project. It was assumed that the new Grand Stade de Casablanca should hold 115,000 spectators to become the largest football stadium in the world.

Back in October 2023, a new architectural competition was launched. In March 2024, it was announced that a joint bid from the Oualalou + Choi and Populous studios had won, and in July 2024 the first renderings appeared. The future stadium was also renamed Grand Stade Hassan II (in honor of the former Moroccan king).