With a capacity of 115,000 seats, the Grand Stade Hassan II, currently under construction in Benslimane near Casablanca, will be the second-largest stadium in the world. This architectural gem is set to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-organize with Spain and Portugal.
Spanning over 100 hectares in Mansouria, a commune in Benslimane located about 38 kilometers from Casablanca, the Grand Stade Hassan II is expected to be completed within three years, surpassing the largest Spanish stadiums, such as the Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou. Construction of this mega-project began last August and is slated for completion in 2028, according to Tarik Oualalou, co-founder of the architecture firm Oualalou + Choi. In partnership with Populous, the firm won the contract to design this massive infrastructure.
The Grand Stade Hassan II will take the shape of a tent inspired by the traditional Moroccan “moussem” (a cultural and religious festival), explained Oualalou, who aims to highlight Morocco’s legendary hospitality. “The concept of ‘Marhaba’ (welcome) is at the heart of the project. That’s why we’ve developed the architectural design around the moussem and the tent—a symbol that is deeply Moroccan yet universally relatable,” he elaborated.
He continued: “The goal is to showcase Morocco in a way that resonates globally. When people visit, they can engage with our culture while also feeling a connection to their own origins. We want to emphasize this idea of hospitality, which is central to our traditions, our culture, and our relationship with the world and visitors.”
With an estimated cost of 5 billion dirhams, the Grand Stade Hassan II will feature three grandstands, each seating 29,500 spectators. The stadium will be surrounded by a hotel, green spaces, shopping centers, and a swimming pool, and it will serve as the future home for Casablanca’s two major football clubs, Raja and Wydad. Oualalou described it as an “ultra-modern” stadium, designed to meet FIFA standards and certified with HQE (High Environmental Quality) credentials.
