Morocco: Morocco opens 5 stadiums in one year! Public vote favorites for Stadium of the Year 2025?

12.02.2026 17:16 source: StadiumDB.com ; author: Jakub Ducki

Morocco is dynamically investing in football infrastructure, building and modernizing arenas. Modern facilities have emerged in Rabat and Tangier, strengthening the country's position on the international stage and preparing it for the 2030 World Cup.

Context of investments in Moroccan football

In 2023, Morocco took over hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Guinea's withdrawal, and soon after was announced as co-host of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. State authorities, supported by agencies like L’Agence Nationale des Équipements Publics (ANEP), launched a stadium modernization program, focusing on the capital Rabat and other key cities. Projects were completed at record speed, involving demolitions of old venues and construction of new ones compliant with FIFA standards.

Rabat became the center of these changes, with four arenas ready for tournaments by 2025. This positions Moroccan venues as candidates for Stadium of the Year 2025. Selection of the best quintet from 28 new stadiums is up to you.

White pearl of Agdal

Stade Al Medina in the Agdal district replaced the neglected 1970s Stade Al Barid, which held just 2,000 spectators with a simple covered stand. Construction was announced late 2023; the architectural contest was won by Amine Hjiaj from Pictogramme studio in Casablanca, with TGCC and partner Inter Tridim as contractors at a cost exceeding 1.5 billion dirhams.

The 18,000-capacity venue opened on November 13, 2025, with a 2026 World Cup qualifier semi-final: DR Congo beat Cameroon 1:0. It serves Union Touarga Sport from Botola Pro daily, and hosted three group matches and a Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The stadium features two-tiered stands with the first row above the pitch for better visibility, surrounded by a white rhomboidal structure acting as roof and facade. Large screens are behind the goals, with gently undulating stand profiles. Nearby are Salle Ibn Yassine hall, underground parking, Marriott hotel, and Arribat Center mall, close to railway stations.

Compact fortress in Moroccan flag colors

Stade Moulay El Hassan in Hay Nahda district rose after demolishing old FUS Rabat stadium and adjacent pool, amid the investment boom post-AFCON 2025 takeover. Construction started September 2024 and finished ahead of schedule.

Inaugurated November 13, 2025, with a World Cup qualifier semi-final: Nigeria beat Gabon 4:1 after extra time, followed by DR Congo's penalty win in the final for advancement. The same day saw Stade Al Medina's second semi-final opening. Daily home to FUS Rabat, 2015/16 champions and 2010 Confederation Cup winners; hosted three group matches and Round of 16 at AFCON.

Two-tiered fully roofed stands feature seats in Moroccan flag colors (red and green), VIP boxes on the west stand, screens, LED bands, and lighting. The decorative external facade lights up at night, forming a compact mass.

Athletics jewel with a crescent moon

New Stade Olympique de Rabat boasts a modern 9-lane athletics track encircled by an oval stand ring for 21,000 seats. The main west stand has a membrane roof shaped like a crescent moon, with VIP boxes and skyboxes. It combines athletics and football functions.

Inaugurated May 25, 2025, coinciding with the Diamond League's Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme. Hosted the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final (Morocco lost to Nigeria 2:3) and Women's U-17 World Cup opener.

As the third element of Rabat's sports complex, it replaced training tracks of old Stade Moulay Abdellah. Neighbors giant Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, complementing Complexe sportif Moulay Abdellah with hall and pool. Southwestern Rabat outskirts offer great access via bus station and Hay Riad high-speed rail station under construction.

Rabat's flagship arena

Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah – Rabat's largest – replaced the 1983 venue closed in 2023. Designed by Orange Atelier and Populous, built 2023-2025 for AFCON and 2030 World Cup prep.

Inaugurated September 5, 2025, during a World Cup qualifier where Morocco beat Niger 5:0, securing first African advancement. Named after Prince Moulay Abdellah, son of King Mohammed V. Daily hosts AS FAR club and Morocco national team; hosted AFCON final, slated for key 2030 World Cup matches.

Multi-level stands include expansive upper south tier for AS FAR fans. Monumental metal shell with palm leaf motifs serves as facade and roof, with striking lighting. Part of complex with arena hall and covered pool, near Rabat's main bus station.

Seaside colossus with pillars

Grand Stade de Tanger opened 2011 with athletics track, expanded 2020-2023 to 65,000, then 2023-2025 removed track, added lower stand ring and full roof to reach 75,000 capacity – Morocco's largest (until Stade Hassan II). Second phase by Cabinet d'Architecture Amaoui Anouar Gueriri.

Opened November 14, 2025, with friendly Morocco vs Mozambique (1:0). Daily serves Ittihad Riadi de Tanger, ready for 2030 World Cup. 7 km from Tangier center, part of sports complex with Olympic pool, tennis courts, arena hall, and training track.

Three-tier stands retain upper arches from athletics era. Membrane roof suspends lighting, sound, and screens. Exterior pillars and spiral stairs decorate, with colorful night lighting. Seats in white, gray, blue, plus VIP boxes.

Choose the Stadium of the Year 2025

Which new stadium from Morocco stands out from the rest? Compare them with the other nominated venues in Stadium of the Year 2025 and choose your best five.