Grand Stade Hassan II

Morocco's centrepiece stadium

The Grand Stade Hassan II is not simply Morocco's biggest stadium — at 115,000 seats it will be the largest football stadium ever built anywhere in the world, surpassing the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang (114,000) and India's Narendra Modi Stadium (132,000 for cricket). It is the centrepiece of Morocco's entire World Cup project, and the stadium most likely to host the opening ceremony and key knockout matches.

Ground works began in late August 2024, with the stadium targeted for completion by the end of 2028 — leaving two years of final fit-out and testing before the 2030 tournament begins. The architects are OUALALOU + CHOI (the Paris-based practice of Moroccan architect Tarik Oualalou) working in collaboration with global stadium specialists Populous.

Design: the moussem in concrete and aluminium

The stadium's design draws directly from the moussem — the traditional Moroccan social and cultural gathering historically held beneath enormous communal tents. The roof is a massive tent-like aluminium lattice structure with a translucent canopy that covers the entire seating bowl, flooding the interior with filtered natural light. The visual effect from the outside is of a vast, luminous textile form rising from the landscape.

The site itself is in El Mansouria in Benslimane Province — roughly 38 kilometres north-east of Casablanca city centre — chosen for the scale of land required for a 115,000-seat venue and its supporting infrastructure (parking, fan zones, transit links).

Getting to the stadium

The stadium's location 38km from Casablanca city centre is the key planning consideration for fans. Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) — Morocco's main international gateway — is roughly 70km from the stadium (the airport is south of Casablanca; the stadium is north-east). Plan for a significant transfer time on match days.

FIFA and Moroccan authorities are expected to operate dedicated match-day shuttle services (rail or coach) between central Casablanca and the stadium. Specific transport plans have not been confirmed yet — check back closer to the 2030 tournament for official routes and timetables. Driving is an option but match-day traffic management on the approach roads will be significant for a 115,000-capacity event.

For fans arriving in Morocco via CMN: Casablanca city centre is served by the Airport Express train (CNM → Casa Voyageurs, ~35 min, 65 MAD). From the city, match-day shuttles to the stadium will be the practical option.

Climate on match days (June–July 2030)

Casablanca has a mild Atlantic climate. In June and July — when World Cup matches will be played — expect temperatures of 22–27°C, sea breeze, and low humidity. Evening matches will be comfortable. The translucent roof will provide full shade to the seating bowl.