Morocco’s incredible new £400mn mega-project to build the world’s biggest football arena | World | News

New images show plans for a new football stadium set to be the biggest in the world.

The Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, is set to be built in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is also being hosted by Spain and Portugal.

Casablanca has already been selected as the city that will host the final, and Morocco wants the stadium there to be a record-breaker.

If all goes to plan, the stadium will boast a capacity of 115,000 – outdoing the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, which is currently the world’s biggest stadium with a capacity of 114,000 people.

Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi have designed the new stadium alongside Populous, and will cost a reported $490million (£380million).

The design of the structure is inspired by the traditional Moroccan societal gathering called a ‘moussem’, which involves Moroccans coming together for cultural celebrations.

The shape of the roof is inspired by a Moroccan grand tent. Surrounding the structure will be gardens with smaller sports pitches and complexes.

The stands at each end of the ground can hold an impressive 29,500 general admission spectators with another 12,000 spectators admissible in the five tiers of VIP hospitality stands.

Tarik Oualalou, founding partner at Oualalou + Choi and Lead Architect for the project, said: “The Grand Stade Hassan II is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, with its traditions and contemporary expressions.

“It is rooted in ancient and primordial figures: the Moussem, the tent, and the garden, as well as the topography and landscapes of Morocco.

“It’s a generous space, open to the world and respectful to the Nature it protects. The Grand Stade Hassan II de Casablanca is the embodiment of the great tradition of Moroccan hospitality.”

Christopher Lee, Managing Director at Populous, said: “The Grand Stade Hassan II will be a truly iconic, landmark venue for Morocco and for football itself, that will become one of the great stadia of the world.”

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