Morocco showcases Adrar, a modern stadium by the Atlantic

AGADIR, Morocco

As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the country is pressing ahead with renovations at Adrar Stadium in the southwestern coastal city of Agadir.

Constructed in 2013, Adagir Stadium is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and stands out as one of the venues chosen to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup.

It is also one of six cities earmarked for major investment following Morocco’s historic semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Renovations at Adrar Stadium include the installation of a roof, removal of the athletics track, and an expansion of seating capacity to 42,000 for the Africa Cup of Nations and then to 46,000 for the 2030 World Cup.

In addition to a natural grass football pitch, the facility has received extensive updates both inside and out with an investment of €34 million ($39.5 million) to date, making it one of the country's most modern stadiums.

Three training fields and a mini stadium have been constructed outside, while parking areas have been expanded and enhanced security measures— including facial recognition technology — are being introduced. Inside the venue, dressing rooms have been modernized and the pitch upgraded.

Stadium opened in 2013 after years of delays

Construction of Agadir Stadium originally began in 2003 but was significantly delayed after South Africa, rather than Morocco, was selected to host the 2010 World Cup.

The project resumed in 2007 with plans to open by the end of 2009. Although much of the structure was completed, various setbacks pushed the timeline back further.

After years of slow progress, the stadium officially opened on Oct. 11, 2013, with a match between Morocco’s Hassania Agadir and Algeria’s Kabylie.

- 2030 FIFA World Cup to be held in 6 countries across 3 continents

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be staged across six countries on three continents, marking the first tournament of its kind in football history.

Morocco is preparing to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and will also co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Matches in Morocco are set to take place in Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Marrakesh, Agadir, and the capital Rabat.

In addition, one match each will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The tournament will kick off in South America to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inaugural 1930 World Cup, before the remaining fixtures shift to Europe and North Africa.