Populous & Oualalou + Choi to create new World Cup 2030 venue in Morocco

A consortium led by Tenderstream member Populous and Oualalou + Choi has won the international competition to design the 115,000-capacity Grand Stade de Casablanca stadium in Morocco, projected to be the largest football stadium in the world. The winning scheme draws inspiration from a traditional social gathering in Morocco known as a ‘moussem’, with the stadium structure set under a grand, tented roof that emerges as a dramatic intervention in the forested landscape. 

Tarik Oualalou, design principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi, commented: “The Grand Stade de Casablanca 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 de Casablanca is the embodiment of the great tradition of Moroccan hospitality.”

The stadium will be fully compliant for FIFA competitions, with the ability to host games at the FIFA World Cup 2030, following Morocco’s naming as joint hosts for the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. It will also serve as the home of two local clubs, Raja and Wydad. Preparation for groundworks to start is underway on a 100 ha site in El Mansouria, 38 km north of Casablanca, after public financing was approved in October 2023.

François Clément, senior principal and president of Populous France, stated: “The Grand Stade de Casablanca is a cornerstone of King Mohammed VI’s vision to develop Morocco’s football infrastructure...The pace of construction works expected in Benslimane demonstrates the commitment of all parties involved to deliver this incredible project on time and within budget. It will be an immense asset to the country, elevating Morocco to the highest global platform of sporting infrastructure development.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 25.10.2023 here

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