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Marrakech – Morocco’s national football team will inaugurate the newly reconstructed Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on September 5. According to the program published by FIFA, the Atlas Lions will face Niger in their World Cup 2026 qualifier match.
This fixture marks both an important sporting event and the official unveiling of the completely rebuilt stadium, following months of rumors, suggestions, and speculation about its long-awaited opening.
The match, part of the 6th round of Group E qualifiers, will see coach Walid Regragui’s squad take on Niger’s Mena, led by former Morocco national team coach Badou Zaki.
Three days later, on September 8, Achraf Hakimi and his teammates will travel to Zambia to face the Chipolopolo at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium for their 7th round fixture.
Morocco currently dominates Group E with a perfect record of five wins in five matches. They have accumulated 15 points and boast an impressive +12 goal difference.
Tanzania holds second place with nine points, while Zambia and Niger follow with six points each. Congo remains at the bottom without any points.
The revitalized Moulay Abdellah Stadium constitutes a next-level investment in Morocco’s athletic facilities. Originally built in 1980, the stadium was completely demolished in 2023 and reconstructed to host several matches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The revamped stadium features a seating capacity of 68,500 spectators, an increase of 21,000 from its previous configuration.
The facility includes modernized stands, interior spaces that meet international standards, numerous VIP boxes, and areas for conferences and cultural activities.
Read also: Morocco Makes History: SNRT to Deploy Spidercam in All 9 AFCON Stadiums
One of the stadium’s most notable innovations is its LED lighting system for the pitch. Moulay Abdellah becomes the first stadium in Africa to implement LED technology for grass growth.
The system includes 6 LED440 units, 2 LED120 units, 6 TurfPods, and a TurfBase management system developed by Dutch company SGL.
This advanced technology creates ideal growing conditions for the grass by balancing light and heat. The LED modules allow separate control of light and temperature, precisely adjusting the microclimate based on the pitch’s needs.
The LED120 covers 120 m² and is ideal for sensitive areas like the substitutes’ bench or penalty zones, while the larger LED440 covers 440 m² for broader treatment.
At the core of this system is the TurfPod, a connected sensor that continuously measures key agronomic data such as soil and air temperature, salinity, humidity, and received light.
This data is transmitted in real-time to the TurfBase software platform, allowing technical teams to remotely monitor the field’s condition and optimize resource usage.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who visited the stadium on July 26 alongside FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, was highly impressed with the facility.
“This stadium is unquestionably one of the most modern, efficient, and magnificent venues on the planet, propelling Morocco among the elite of world football,” he declared.
Infantino added that “stadiums are no longer just places to play football, but showcases for countries,” describing Moulay Abdellah as “a jewel that conveys the image of a modern Morocco, looking to the future and choosing football to unite the world.”
The stadium’s reconstruction is part of Morocco’s preparations for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The facility features a panoramic roof, redesigned VIP areas, underground parking, and next-generation lighting, positioning it as one of the main venues for African and world football in the coming years.
