In the lead-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), the Grand Stade d’Agadir has completed the first phase of a major 450 million dirham renovation, ensuring the 42,000-seat venue meets the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
The upgrades position the stadium to host several high-profile matches during the tournament, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Built in 2013 on a 32-hectare site just five kilometers from Agadir’s city center, the stadium is renowned for its earthquake-resistant design and innovative architecture, which incorporates embankments extracted from the surrounding terrain.
Its modern facilities include VIP and VVIP areas accommodating 250 guests, 12 hospitality boxes, two restaurants seating 300 each, and a media section for 288 personnel with a fully equipped newsroom and commentator booths.
On the technical side, the stadium boasts a natural grass pitch, two adjacent training fields, advanced lighting compliant with international standards, a giant 84 m² screen, 190 meters of LED panels, 137 surveillance cameras, and parking for 2,500 vehicles.
Hicham Allouli, regional director of the National Sports Infrastructure Management Company (Sonarges), highlighted the benefits of the renovation for visitors: “The exterior developments and new facilities, including parking lots and refreshment bars, will offer comfort and accessibility to the public.”
During CAN 2025, the stadium will host Group B matches, including Egypt’s clashes with Zimbabwe (December 22), South Africa (December 26), and Angola (December 29). Group F fixtures will also take place here, including Cameroon versus Gabon (December 24) and Mozambique against Cameroon (December 31).
Allouli confirmed that a second phase of renovations will commence in January 2026, aiming to expand capacity to 45,000 seats and install a roof over the arena. These improvements are part of Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to world-class sports infrastructure.
The modernization of the Grand Stade d’Agadir underscores Morocco’s ambition to combine safety, comfort, and functionality in hosting continental and global sporting events.
About The Author
