FIFA Demands Spur Rapid Upgrades to Tangier Stadium for World Cup Bid

The international body had notably noted the lack of space around the stadium, a crucial criterion for the organization of international competitions. "The activities related to an event like the World Cup are not limited to the pitch, but also encompass the surroundings of the stadium," the FIFA report stated.

Faced with these criticisms, the local authorities have stepped up their efforts and launched a large-scale construction project. The perimeter of the stadium will be entirely paved and adorned with new green spaces. These developments aim to embellish the stadium’s surroundings and facilitate traffic flow, particularly to enable aerial drone filming.

To recall, Morocco has proposed the Tangier Stadium to host matches up to the semi-finals of the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly organized with Spain and Portugal. Built in 2011, the stadium is currently undergoing a complete makeover. Its capacity will be increased to 75,600 seats and it will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities: a high-performance ventilation system, cutting-edge lighting, two 221-square-meter giant screens, an independent communication network and a dedicated administrative space.

FIFA has confirmed that the dimensions of the field are in compliance with the standards, but that the surrounding area required significant development. The ongoing work should, it is hoped, meet these requirements and make the Tangier Stadium a premier sports venue, ready to welcome the stars of the round ball.