Prince Moulay El Hassan and Al Barid stadium to host 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs

The newly built Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium and the refurbished Al Barid Stadium in Rabat have been confirmed as the venues for the African playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The state-of-the-art Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, inaugurated on September 4 by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, stands as a new landmark in African sports infrastructure.

The 68,700-capacity facility was completed in just 18 months and boasts a hybrid pitch that blends natural grass with synthetic fibres, a first of its kind on the continent.

It also features 110 VIP boxes, five hospitality lounges, full accessibility for people with disabilities, and a modern media centre.

Meanwhile, the Al Barid Stadium, located in Rabat’s Agdal district, has undergone a major $39 million renovation.

The upgraded facility will accommodate between 15,000 and 18,500 spectators and is equipped with a premium “Platinum TE Paspalum” natural turf, designed to be irrigated with recycled or semi-saline water.

The timing of these developments is crucial, as Morocco prepares to host the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup from November 13 to 16.

The mini-tournament will feature four teams, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, battling for a place in the global showpiece.

The fixtures are as follows:

Opening match: Nigeria vs. Gabon – 17:00 (GMT+1)

Second semi-final: Cameroon vs. DR Congo – 20:00 (GMT+1)

Final: Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium – 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT)