Newly released images offer a first glimpse of what will be the largest football stadium in the world when it hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup Final. The spectacular Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, is set to have a capacity of 115,000, larger than the current record holder, North Korea’s 114,000 Rungrado 1st of May Stadium. Designed by Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi in collaboration with global sports design leaders Populous, the stadium is poised to be a landmark in both architecture and sport. Christopher Lee, Managing Director at Populous for the EMEA region, said: “We are very proud to work alongside our partners Oualalou + Choi on this incredible project. 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.” The Grand Stade Hassan II is designed to host the final of the 2030 tournament, after Morocco was named as a joint host for the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. Additionally, the stadium will serve as the home ground for two local football clubs. The design of the stadium takes inspiration from the traditional Moroccan social gathering known as a ‘moussem’. The stadium’s structure is set beneath a grand, tented roof, creating a striking visual impact within the surrounding forested landscape. Tarik Oualalou, Design Principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi, and Lead Architect for the project, added: “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.” At each end of the immense stadium bowl, three steep, compact tiers are designed to ensure a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere. These sections alone will accommodate 29,500 general admission spectators at each end of the stadium. The main stands along the pitch feature five levels of hospitality, catering to 12,000 VVIP, VIP, Hospitality, and Box users, in addition to a Royal box. The stadium’s centrepiece is its spectacular roof, made from a unique aluminium lattice. This intricate structure is supported by a ring of 32 stairways, which form monumental gateways adorned with lush gardens on raised platforms, positioned 28 metres above the ground. These elevated gardens create an extraordinary spatial experience—an oasis of greenery beneath the translucent roof. The design also includes a series of botanical gardens at ground level, under the outer reaches of the stadium covering. Ground preparation is currently underway on a 100-hectare site in El Mansouria, in the province of Benslimane, 38 km north of Casablanca, following the approval of public financing in October 2023. The design team also includes engineering firms Maffeis Engineering, ME Engineering, and Rider Levett Bucknall. Christopher Lee, Managing Director at Populous for the EMEA region, said: “We are very proud to work alongside our partners Oualalou + Choi on this incredible project. 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.” François Clément, Senior Principal and President of Populous France, and Lead Architect for the project, concluded: “The Grand Stade Hassan II will provide extraordinary spaces that create exceptional experiences for every fan and every visitor. It is a cornerstone of King Mohammed VI’s vision to develop Morocco’s football infrastructure that will elevate Morocco to the highest global platform of sporting infrastructure development.” Where: Casablanca, Morocco When: 19 Aug 2024 Credit: Oualalou+Choi and Populous/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**