Agadir’s Grand Stade is poised to be a key venue for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AfCON), having recently completed major renovations.
Moroccan authorities held an inspection on Monday, September 1, confirming the stadium’s readiness to host the continental tournament and prepare for the 2030 World Cup.
The Grand Stade, originally built in 2013, has undergone extensive upgrades as part of a two-phase plan to meet international standards. The first phase, with an estimated cost of 450 million dirhams ($50 million), focused on both interior and exterior improvements.
Hicham Allouli, the regional director for Sonarges, the national society for sports facilities, stated, “The Grand Stade d’Agadir is ready to host the largest events.”
Key upgrades include: An expanded parking area, increasing capacity from 2,600 to 4,100 spaces. New ticketing and accreditation areas. Resurfaced training pitches. Modernized locker rooms and seating. Upgraded technical equipment for better operations.
The stadium will be a central hub for the 2025 AfCON, hosting all Group B matches. This group features several prominent African teams, including Egypt, Cameroon, and South Africa.
The tournament will kick off at the Agadir Stadium on December 22 with a match between Egypt and Zimbabwe. The stadium will also host a Round of 16 match on January 5 and a quarter-final match on January 9, 2026.
After the AfCON concludes, the stadium will enter its second phase of renovations in January 2026. This phase, with an estimated budget of 2.3 to 2.5 billion dirhams ($255 to $278 million), will include a full roof over the stands, an increase in seating capacity from 41,800 to 46,000, and enhanced VIP areas to meet FIFA specifications for the 2030 World Cup.
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