During a recent visit to Rabat, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had nothing but praise for the redevelopment of Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The venue was described by the head of world football as a “jewel”.

"One of the world’s greatest showcases"

As Morocco prepares for two major tournaments – the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup – the country is gaining attention with its concrete progress. While visiting the North African nation, Gianni Infantino toured the revamped Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat and expressed admiration for a project that, in his view, marks a new era for Moroccan football.

He was accompanied by Faouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and a key figure in Morocco’s international football rise. In his presence, Infantino spoke enthusiastically about the transformation of the stadium.

This stadium is undoubtedly one of the most modern, efficient, and stunning venues in the world. It will help place Morocco at the top of world football, Infantino wrote on Instagram. His words carry weight as Morocco prepares to host major tournaments. The visit to Rabat also marked the inauguration of FIFA’s African office at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

© Jihad el andalussi

AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030

As a co-host of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco is investing in infrastructure on an unprecedented scale. Stade Moulay Abdellah in the capital is one of the flagship projects.

A complete reconstruction is currently underway. The new stadium will have a football-specific layout, with multi-tiered stands and a capacity of 68,700 — making it one of the largest stadiums in Morocco. The stand behind the southern goal will have just two tiers, with a large upper deck dedicated to the most passionate AS FAR supporters.

Photos from the construction site show clear progress — steel roof trusses are being installed, some lower-level seats are already in place, and the VIP zones are being prepared inside. The stadium is scheduled for completion at the end of 2025. It will be ready in time for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup.

As part of its World Cup preparations, Morocco is also upgrading several other key stadiums. In addition to Moulay Abdellah, special attention is being given to Grand Stade de Tanger in the north and Stade de Fès in the center. These three, along with the impressive Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, Grand Stade d’Agadir, and Grand Stade de Marrakech, will form Morocco’s 2030 tournament offering.

© Jihad el andalussi