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Africa is home to some of the most impressive football stadiums in the world, showcasing architectural grandeur and a rich sporting culture. These massive arenas have hosted iconic football matches, athletic events, and concerts, attracting millions of fans from across the globe. Below is an exploration of the top 10 football stadiums in Africa, ranked by their seating capacities and international significance.
1. FNB Stadium – South Africa
Location: Nasrec, South Africa
Capacity: 94,736
Overview: FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City or The Calabash due to its distinctive design, is Africa’s largest football venue. Renovated in 2009 for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it hosted the final where Spain emerged victorious. It serves as the home ground for Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team, and has also hosted major concerts, including U2’s record-breaking attendance of 94,232 in 2011.
2. New Administrative Capital Stadium – Egypt
Location: New Administrative Capital, Egypt
Capacity: 93,940
Overview: Completed in 2023, this stadium became Egypt’s national stadium in 2024, hosting its first match in March of that year. The Egyptian government invested heavily in its construction as part of a potential World Cup bid.
3. Borg El-Arab Stadium – Egypt
Location: Alexandria, Egypt
Capacity: 86,000
Overview: Opened in 2009, Borg El-Arab Stadium was Egypt’s largest stadium prior to the completion of the New Administrative Capital Stadium. It is utilized by Egypt’s national team and local club Smouha, and was one of the venues built for Egypt’s unsuccessful 2010 World Cup bid.
4. Stade des Martyrs – Democratic Republic of Congo
Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Capacity: 80,000
Overview: Stade des Martyrs hosts national football matches and club teams AS Vita Club and DCMP. Named in honor of political figures executed in 1966, the stadium also accommodates religious events and concerts, including a visit by Pope Francis in 2023.
5. Cairo International Stadium – Egypt
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Capacity: 75,000
Overview: As the primary venue for Egyptian football, Cairo International Stadium hosted the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final. It is notable for once accommodating 120,000 fans during a 1986 match. The stadium was the venue for the 2020 CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly and El Zamalek.
6. Ibn Batouta Stadium – Morocco
Location: Tangier, Morocco
Capacity: 68,000
Overview: Opened in 2011, Ibn Batouta Stadium expanded ahead of Morocco’s hosting of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. It has hosted significant matches, including Morocco’s 2-1 victory over Brazil in 2023.
7. Stade du 5 Juillet – Algeria
Location: Algiers, Algeria
Capacity: 65,000
Overview: Stade du 5 Juillet has a rich history, once hosting 110,000 fans for a match in 2010. Safety renovations have since reduced its capacity.
8. Ellis Park Stadium – South Africa
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Capacity: 62,567
Overview: An iconic stadium known for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, Ellis Park also hosted charity football matches and national team games before the opening of FNB Stadium.
9. Moshood Abiola National Stadium – Nigeria
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Capacity: 60,491
Overview: Since its opening in 2003, Moshood Abiola National Stadium has been the primary home of the Nigerian national team. It also serves as a venue for religious events and concerts.
10. Alassane Ouattara Stadium – Ivory Coast
Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Capacity: 60,000
Overview: Completed in 2020, Alassane Ouattara Stadium is home to the national football team and hosted the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. The modern venue is owned by the Ivory Coast government.
These top-tier stadiums demonstrate Africa’s ambition to become a global leader in sports, providing state-of-the-art facilities that not only host international events but also significantly enhance tourism, create job opportunities, and promote national pride.
