Industry News

Adaptable stadia at heart of Morocco 2026’s World Cup plan

Morocco 2026 has outlined its stadium development plans for its bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with adaptable stadia a key part of its proposal to world football’s governing body.

The Morocco 2026 World Cup Bid Committee on Saturday unveiled 12 proposed cities and 14 stadia as part of its plans for the event, after submitting its bid book to FIFA on Friday.

Morocco 2026’s proposed stadia include five existing venues in Marrakech (95,565), Agadir (46,048), Fez (46,092), Rabat (46,500) and Tangier (65,000) that will undergo redevelopment to meet Fifa requirements.

Three new stadia are planned including the 93,000-capacity National Stadium in Casablanca that will be the future home to the national team and host the opening match and final of the World Cup. New stadia with capacities of 45,600 apiece would also be built in Oujda and Tetouan.

Morocco 2026 has also drawn up plans for six Legacy Modular Stadiums (LMS) with capacities of around 46,000 in Casablanca, Marrakech, El Jadida, Meknes, Nador and Ouarzazate. The bid committee said they have all been selected based on their transport and accommodation infrastructure, and local football legacy needs.

Morocco 2026 has outlined plans for $15.8bn (£11.3bn/€12.8bn) in infrastructure spending should it secure the World Cup. Stadium investment will account for $3bn of this total.

Morocco 2026 said its LMS stadia plans include the venue in Marrakech becoming a multi-purpose indoor arena after the World Cup, while the facility in Ourzazate will become the headquarters for a new multi-purpose football centre for Africa.

Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Morocco 2026 bid chairman and the government’s Minister for Industry, Investment, Trade & Digital Economy, said: “Our Legacy Modular Stadiums sit at the heart of Morocco’s bid and are a powerful example of our innovation and commitment to legacy. They will be at the cutting edge of modernity, 100-per-cent environmentally responsible and conceived with a sustainable philosophy to reduce construction costs and complexity.

“As soon as the final whistle blows on the 2026 tournament, the stadiums will be adapted to meet the specific needs of their cities and to make them more accessible for local communities, with the aim of maximising participation in football and other sports and cultural activities. Local clubs will become anchor tenants with responsibility for adapting the stadia to their requirements, particularly in terms of capacity.”

Morocco is facing competition from the United 2026 joint bid comprising the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA will make a final decision on the hosting rights for the tournament on June 13, ahead of the start of this year’s World Cup in Russia.

Image: Morocco 2026