British firm “Populous” has announced its successful bid to design the Grand Casablanca Stadium, set to accommodate 115,000 spectators, in preparation to host matches for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in collaboration with Spain and Portugal.
In a statement on its official website, the company declared its victory in securing the contract, highlighting that the Casablanca Stadium is poised to become the world’s largest football arena.
The stadium’s design, according to Populous, draws inspiration from Morocco’s cultural heritage, with its structure nestled under a vast canopy resembling a striking intervention in the forest landscape.
The site spans across 100 hectares in the city of Mansouria, in the Ben Slimane province, located 38 kilometers north of Casablanca.
Populous emphasized that the stadium will comply with FIFA’s technical specifications, particularly for hosting matches during the 2030 World Cup and domestic Moroccan league games.
Christopher Lee, the company’s Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, expressed pride in the prestigious project, stating, “We are immensely proud of our selection for this prestigious project with our partners.
The Grand Casablanca Stadium will be a landmark and a source of pride for the citizens of the city and Morocco, becoming one of the greatest stadiums in the world.”
Meanwhile, Tarek Oualalou, the project’s lead design engineer, affirmed that the Grand Casablanca Stadium is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, drawing inspiration from its authentic traditions and contemporary expressions.
He described it as “a generous space open to the world, respecting the protected nature and embodying the great traditions of Moroccan hospitality.”
François Clément, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Engineer, emphasized that the stadium is a cornerstone of King Mohammed VI’s vision to develop football infrastructure in Morocco.
He highlighted its compliance with FIFA standards, allowing it to host major international competitions, including the 2030 World Cup.
The construction pace, according to Clément, “demonstrates the commitment of all stakeholders to deliver this project on time and within budget, positioning the Kingdom on the global stage for sports infrastructure development.”
Morocco is banking on the Grand Casablanca Stadium to host the 2030 World Cup final, especially amidst Spain’s push to stage the final match in Madrid.
