Rabat, the Moroccan capital is glowing in fresh shades of football glory as Morocco unveils two world-class arenas, the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium and the Al Barid Stadium, just in time for the African playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan cut the ribbon on September 4, officially opening the dazzling 68,700-seater stadium that now bears his name. Built in lightning-fast 18 months, the facility replaces the demolished Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and redefines football architecture on the continent.
From its hybrid grass pitch, a first of its kind in Africa, to 110 VIP boxes, five luxurious lounges, and a cutting-edge media center, the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium is Morocco’s bold declaration that it belongs among football’s global elite.
The new home of the Atlas Lions roared to life with a perfect start, as Morocco thrashed Niger 5–0 in a World Cup qualifier to christen the arena.
Not to be outdone, Al Barid Stadium in Rabat’s Agdal district has been reborn after a 400-million-dirham ($39 million) facelift. The revamped 18,000-capacity ground now boasts pristine Platinum TE Paspalum turf – resilient, eco-friendly, and ready for top-tier football action.
Both venues will make their competitive debut hosting the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a fiery mini-tournament featuring:
• Nigeria
• Gabon
• Cameroon
• DR Congo
FROM NOVEMBER 13 TO 16
FIXTURES ARE:
✓ Nigeria vs Gabon kicks off the show at 17:00 GMT+1.
✓ Cameroon vs DR Congo follows under the lights at 20:00 GMT+1.
✓ The Final takes center stage on Sunday, November 16, at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium – 20:00 local time 19:00 GMT.
The camp of the Super Eagles of Nigeria for that all important mini tournament opens on the 8th of November but most of the players are expected to report for the decide your fate playoffs on the 9th.
And when the final whistle blows on the playoffs, the action won’t stop – both stadiums are set to play starring roles again during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Morocco isn’t just building stadiums – it’s building a legacy.
