The projected cost of Morocco’s Grand Stade Hassan II has risen to 13.6bn dirhams (£1.24bn), more than 2.7 times the initial estimate of about 5bn dirhams.
The stadium, being built in Benslimane for the 2030 World Cup, is expected to hold 115,000 spectators and become one of the largest football grounds in the world. Its escalating price is now attracting as much attention as its scale.
An initial construction budget of approximately 5bn dirhams was announced when the project was unveiled. That figure remains on the official presentation of the Centre regional d’investissement de Casablanca-Settat.
However, an assessment by Le Desk of the public contracts already awarded or launched puts their combined value at 13.6bn dirhams. That total is not necessarily the final cost, with the work divided into several separate packages.
Those contracts cover areas including the main structure, the roof and facades, technical equipment, seating and external development. External works alone account for about 2.7bn dirhams.
The contract for the approximately 115,000 seats, valued at 277.5m dirhams, recently ended without a successful bidder after the two applications received were rejected.
The increase is being questioned while construction is still under way. The project was estimated to be about 40% complete in spring 2026, with around 5,000 workers employed on the site. Completion remains scheduled for the end of 2027.
Grand Stade Hassan II is intended to be one of the defining symbols of Morocco’s 2030 World Cup bid. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
Its monumental design, inspired by the traditional tent used during a moussem, and its exceptional capacity help explain the technical scale of the development. But the difference between the announced budget of 5bn dirhams and the 13.6bn dirhams in contracts recorded so far has prompted wider debate in Morocco.
Several Moroccan social media users have questioned how the increase will be financed and how such a large sum is being spent. One question in particular has repeatedly been raised: “Who pays?”
The discussion extends beyond football. Morocco is making major infrastructure investments ahead of the 2030 World Cup, and some argue that the spending will create long-term economic and tourism benefits.
Others are challenging the country’s budgetary priorities and asking what the final cost of major projects will be.
With several contracts still to be completed, the 13.6bn-dirham figure may not be the last estimate attached to the stadium.
Louis Mukoma Fargues
