Morocco has unveiled plans for the Grand Stade Hassan II, a landmark sports and architectural project that will become the world’s largest football stadium as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Located in Benslimane, near Casablanca, the venue will accommodate 115,000 spectators, reinforcing Morocco’s ambition to establish itself as a global destination for sport, architecture and urban development.
Designed by Populous in collaboration with Oualalou + Choi, the stadium blends contemporary engineering with references to Morocco’s cultural heritage. The project takes inspiration from the traditional moussem, a historic Moroccan social and cultural gathering, translating its communal spirit into a monumental architectural form.
Populous and Oualalou + Choi draw on Moroccan heritage
The defining architectural feature of the Grand Stade Hassan II is its sweeping tent-like roof, which references the temporary structures associated with traditional moussem gatherings. Constructed from a large-scale aluminium lattice, the canopy provides shade and weather protection while creating a distinctive silhouette that connects regional identity with contemporary stadium design.
Rather than relying solely on monumental scale, the design integrates cultural symbolism into the building’s structure. Consequently, the stadium aims to celebrate Moroccan architectural traditions while presenting a modern image on the international stage.
Mixed-use masterplan extends the stadium beyond the World Cup
Beyond hosting football matches during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the Grand Stade Hassan II has been planned as a year-round destination. The wider development will include training facilities, aquatic complexes, hotels, retail outlets and leisure amenities, creating a mixed-use sports and entertainment district.
Furthermore, this broader programme is intended to keep the venue active after the tournament concludes. By combining sporting infrastructure with hospitality, recreation, and commercial spaces, the project positions the stadium as a long-term catalyst for urban growth, tourism, and cultural exchange in the Casablanca region.
Once completed, the Grand Stade Hassan II is expected to become one of the most significant stadium projects of the decade, combining record-breaking capacity with architecture that reflects Morocco’s cultural identity and long-term development ambitions.