Mohammed V Stadium

Sixty-seven thousand roaring fans. That’s what Mohammed V Stadium can hold. Imagine the energy during a Casablanca derby! This iconic stadium, nestled in the heart of Casablanca, isn’t just a sporting venue. It’s a piece of Moroccan history. Opened in 1955, Mohammed V Stadium was originally named Stade Marcel Cerdan, after a French boxer. After Moroccan independence in 1956, it was renamed Stade d’Honneur. Later, it received its current name, honoring King Mohammed V. The stadium has seen its fair share of renovations. It was expanded in the late 1970s for the 1983 Mediterranean Games. It got another facelift in the 2000s for Morocco’s 2010 World Cup bid, although the bid was ultimately unsuccessful. In 2016, further renovations brought its capacity down to 45,891. This stadium has hosted countless historic matches. Remember the 1988 African Cup of Nations final? That electrifying match took place right here at Mohammed V Stadium. It’s also home to two rival clubs, Wydad AC and Raja CA. Their derby matches are legendary, sometimes drawing crowds that exceed the stadium’s official capacity. In fact, in 1997, a match against Ghana saw a record attendance of 110,000. The same incredible number was reached again in 2004 during a match against Argentina. Today, Mohammed V Stadium continues to be a vital part of Casablanca’s sporting and cultural scene. It’s not just about football. The complex houses a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a media center, and even an anti-doping center. Mohammed V Stadium has truly evolved with the times. It’s a testament to Morocco’s passion for sports and its rich history.