While not traditionally known as a football power, Morocco has been squarely on the sport’s international stage during the summer of 2018. Primarily, this was because the country had an active bid to host the 2026 World Cup. 12 cities and 14 stadiums were selected for the 2026 bid, which had some momentum at one point was ultimately not selected by FIFA (the 2026 Cup will instead be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico).
Additionally, Morocco was of course in the 2018 World Cup. Leading up to the Cup, various articles were put forth by strategy and tip sites, and ultimately delved into each team’s chances. And, placed in a group with perennial powers Spain and Portugal, Morocco was never given good odds to advance. However, the team ultimately acquitted itself well even if it didn’t advance. While an 0-1 loss to Iran was disappointing, the same score to Portugal is respectable, and Morocco earned a great personal victory by forcing a 1-1 draw with Spain – a team the betting odds favored to contend for the Cup!
All this is to say that despite not advancing in this summer’s tournament, and despite missing out on the 2026 bid, Morocco was put on the football map this summer. And that may have some tourists visiting the country wondering about the local football culture. Football is indeed the country’s most popular sport, and between national team action and the two tiers of the professional league – the GNF 1 and GNF 2 – there’s a lot to see. Below we’re highlighting a few of the best stadiums at which to enjoy the “beautiful game” in the country.
Stade Mohamed V – Casablanca
If there’s a “main” football venue in Morocco, it’s probably Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. This is the home of the first division club Raja Casablanca, as well as rivals Wydad Casablanca, and with a capacity of 67,000 is the largest stadium in the country (though larger ones may have ultimately been built if the 2026 World Cup had come to Morocco). First inaugurated in 1955, it remains one of the nicest places in the country to watch football, and is frequently used as the home stadium for the national team.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – Rabat
Also called Stade Moulay Abdellah by some, this is a close second to Stade Mohamed V, both in size (52,000 capacity) and prominence. Opened in 1983, it’s a newer ground, though its design retains a sort of vintage football appeal. The stadium’s primary use is as the home venue for the first division club AS FAR (Association Sportive des FAR), though it too will sometimes host national team matches, as well as the occasional non-football sporting event.
Stade de Marrakech – Marrakech
Those who prefer a more modern venue for football would do well to take a long look at Stade de Marrakech. While it is not as closely associated with the national team, it is perhaps the most state of the art football stadium in Morocco, having been completed in 2012. Neatly enclosed by stands on all four sides, it feels a little bit more compact than its 45,240-person capacity might otherwise feel. It’s used as the home for the club Kawkab Marrakesh, and would have hosted a semi-final and the third place match had Morocco been awarded the 2026 World Cup.
Fez Stadium – Fez
Fez Stadium, also called the Fez Sports Complex, is a more understated option. It almost resembles some of the stadiums you might see sprinkled around Europe for the lower division teams, though hit has room for 45,000 fans. Wydad de Fes is the club that currently occupies the stadium, though we’re mentioning it here because the national team has used this venue on occasion – as well as because Fez has become a trendy travel destination within Morocco. If you pay attention to international travel guides and make your way to the city, this stadium gives you a nice opportunity to see some quality football.
There are more, smaller stadiums around the country as well. But these four give you some of your best chances to see excellent football in a country increasingly tied to the sport.
