Morocco breaks ground on Grand Stade de Casablanca (Stade Hassan II), engineering the planet’s largest football venue at 115,000 capacity for $500 million (5B MAD) in Benslimane, 38km east of Casablanca. Populous and Oualalou+Choi’s conical roof evoking traditional moussem tents and Atlas mountains anchors 100-hectare sports complex serving Wydad AC, Raja CA derbies and Atlas Lions.
Vertical phase two accelerates toward 2028 completion. Secured October 2023 with government-CDG financing, construction hit groundworks August 2024 amid six other renovations for 2025 AFCON standards. High-speed rail links position Hassan II as prime candidate for World Cup final against Spain/Portugal rivals Bernabéu, Camp Nou during Morocco’s historic co-hosting.
Single-level end stands fuel legendary derbies; steep covered seating maximizes atmosphere. Benslimane location trades centrality for expansive footprint, redefining African infrastructure ambition. Casablanca dreams global. 115,000 echo Morocco’s ascent.
