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{{Short description|Sports venue in Agadir, Morocco}}
{{Short description|Sports venue in Agadir, Morocco}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Adrar Stadium</br>Grand Stade d’Agadir
| stadium_name = Adrar Stadium<br />Grand Stade d'Agadir
| nickname = Annar Adrar
| nickname = Annar Adrar
| image = Stade-Adrar2019.png
| image = Stade-Adrar2019.png
| caption = Adrar Stadium in 2019
| caption = Adrar Stadium in 2019
| fullname =
| fullname =
| location = Hay Mohammadi</br>80,000 [[Agadir]]</br>[[Morocco]]
| location = Hay Mohammadi<br />80,000 Agadir<br />Souss-Massa<br />Morocco
| pushpin_map = Morocco#Africa
| mapframe-zoom = 7
| pushpin_relief = yes
| built = 4 June, 2004</br>2007</br/>2009
| pushpin_label = Stade de Agadir
⚫
| opened = October 11, 2013
| pushpin_mapsize = 250
⚫
| renovated = 2023-2025</br>2025-2028
| pushpin_map_caption =Stade de Agadir, Souss-Massa, Morocco
⚫
| closed =
| demolished =
| built = 4 June 2004; 2007; 2009
⚫
| opened = October 11, 2013
⚫
| renovated = 2023/25<br/>2025/28
⚫
| closed =
| demolished =
| owner = {{hlist|Ministry of Youth & Sports|Ministry of Equipment & Transport}}
| owner = {{hlist|Ministry of Youth & Sports|Ministry of Equipment & Transport}}
| operator = Sonarges
| operator = Sonarges
| surface = Grass</br>Classic Tartan track
| surface = {{ubl|Grass|Classic Tartan track}}
| construction_cost = $103,000,000 ([[USD]])</br>[[Moroccan Dirham|MAD]] 860 million (2013)
| construction_cost = $103,000,000 ([[USD]])<br />[[Moroccan Dirham|MAD]] 860 million (2013)
| architect ={{hlist| Sad Benkirane|[[Vittorio Gregotti|Gregotti Associati International]]}}
| architect ={{hlist| Sad Benkirane|[[Vittorio Gregotti|Gregotti Associati International]]}}
| former_names =
| former_names =
| tenants = [[Hassania Agadir]] (2013&ndash;present)<br/>[[Morocco national football team]] (selected matches)
| tenants ={{ubl| [[Hassania Agadir]] (2013–present)|[[Morocco national football team]] (selected matches)}}
| seating_capacity = 45,480
| seating_capacity = 45,480
| dimensions = {{convert|105|x|84|m|yd|1}} (9,000 m²)
| dimensions = {{convert|105|x|84|m|yd|1}} (9,000 m²)
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}}
}}


'''Adrar Stadium''' ({{lang-ar|ملعب آدرار}}; {{lang-ber|ⴰⴱⴰⵔⴰⵣ ⵏ ⵓⴷⵔⴰⵔ}} (Adrar means mountain in [[Central Atlas Tamazight|Tamazight]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://glosbe.com/tzm/en/Adrar| website= glosbe.com| title=Adrar in English|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref>); {{lang-fr|Grand Stade d’Agadir}}), is a multi-use [[stadium]] in Agadir, Morocco, near the [[Atlas Mountains]], and is used by the local [[association football|football]] team: Hassania Agadir, and sometimes the Moroccan national team and also for FIFA and CAF international football matches as a neutral venue.
'''Adrar Stadium''' ({{langx|ar|ملعب آدرار}}; {{langx|ber|ⴰⴱⴰⵔⴰⵣ ⵏ ⵓⴷⵔⴰⵔ}} (Adrar means mountain in [[Central Atlas Tamazight|Tamazight]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://glosbe.com/tzm/en/Adrar| website= glosbe.com| title=Adrar in English|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref>); {{langx|fr|Grand Stade d'Agadir}}), is a multi-use [[stadium]] in Agadir, in the [[Souss-Massa]] region in the country of [[Morocco]], near the [[Atlas Mountains]], in [[North Africa]], and is used as a home venue by the local [[association football|football]] team, Hassania Agadir. It is also sometimes used for the Moroccan national team and for other FIFA and CAF international football matches as a neutral venue.


The construction project began on paper in 2003, with the idea of building the stadium for Morocco's failed 2006 FIFA World Cup bid. Then, in 2007, the project resumed but was only completed for its inauguration in 2013. In time for the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup that year, it also hosted the 2018 African Nations Cup
The construction project began on paper in 2003, with the idea of building the stadium for Morocco's failed 2006 FIFA World Cup bid. In 2007, the project resumed, but it was only completed in time for its inauguration in 2013, the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup that year. It has also hosted the 2018 African Nations Cup.


Agadir's Adrar stadium is used mostly for club football matches in the [[Botola]] Pro League and has a capacity of 45,480 spectators. There have also been various international friendlies and qualification matches played in the stadium for the Moroccan national team but it has also been a neutral venue for some Confederation of African Football (CAF) teams to play friendlies and tournament qualification matches. And, it can also host music concerts. Yet, it is undergoing renovations to increase the capacity for its use in future international football tournaments hosted in Morocco for [[2025 Africa Cup of Nations|2025]] and [[2030 FIFA World Cup|2030]].
The Adrar Stadium, with a capacity of 45,480, is mostly used for club football matches in the [[Botola]] Pro League, but it is also a host for occasional football matches for the Moroccan national team, a neutral venue for CAF friendlies and tournament qualifiers, and a music concert venue. As of 2024, renovations are under way to increase its capacity ahead of international football tournaments to be hosted by Morocco in [[2025 Africa Cup of Nations|2025]] and [[2030 FIFA World Cup|2030]].


==History==
==History==
The stadium's first plan began in 2003, as it was to be a host venue for [[FIFA World Cup hosts#2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 FIFA World Cup]], which was awarded to Germany. Then, the project was put on hold and resumed in 2007 for the [[FIFA World Cup hosts#2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 FIFA World Cup]], however, in [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010, South Africa]] was awarded the tournament as hosts, and plans for the stadium were paused. Again, the project was resumed for the final time in 2009 after financial restrictions on the project. The stadium was finally completed on 11 October 2013,<ref name=benkirane/><ref name=stade/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.stadiumguide.com/grand-stade-agadir/| website= stadiumguide.com| title= Grand Stade Adrar Agadir| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> and the tenants of the stadium Hassania Agadir played a friendly match against the [[Algeria]]n side [[JS Kabylie]]. Hassania's Saad Lemti scored the first goal in the stadium in the 76th minute of the match, as the hosts, Agadir went on to win the match 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lematin.ma/journal/rencontre-amicale-husa-jsk_saad-lemti-premier-buteur-du-grand-stade-d-agadir/189422.html|title=Saad Lemti, premier buteur du grand stade d'Agadir|author=AI|publisher=Le Matin|date=October 13, 2013|access-date=27 August 2024|language=French|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/2013-10-17/http://www.lematin.ma/journal/rencontre-amicale-husa-jsk_saad-lemti-premier-buteur-du-grand-stade-d-agadir/189422.html|archive-date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> The Adrar stadium replaced their old venue [[Stade Al Inbiaâte]] as the home stadium of the local football club, Hassania Agadir.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.footballgroundmap.com/ground/stade-al-inbiaate/raja-agadir|website= footballgroundmap.com| title=Stade Al Inbiaate| access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref>
The stadium's first plan was to be a host venue as a part of Morocco's bid for the [[FIFA World Cup hosts#2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 FIFA World Cup]], which was instead awarded to Germany. Then, the project was put on hold and resumed in 2007 for Morocco's failed bid for the [[FIFA World Cup hosts#2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 FIFA World Cup]], when in [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010, South Africa]] was awarded the tournament as the host, and plans for the stadium were paused. The project was resumed in 2009 and finally completed on 11 October 2013.<ref name=benkirane/><ref name=stade/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.stadiumguide.com/grand-stade-agadir/| website= stadiumguide.com| title= Grand Stade Adrar Agadir| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> The inaugural match featured tenants Hassania Agadir—moving from the Stade Al Inbiaâte—in a friendly match against the [[Algeria]]n side [[JS Kabylie]]. Hassania's Saad Lemti scored the first goal in the stadium in the 76th minute, the lone goal of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lematin.ma/journal/rencontre-amicale-husa-jsk_saad-lemti-premier-buteur-du-grand-stade-d-agadir/189422.html|title=Saad Lemti, premier buteur du grand stade d'Agadir|author=AI|publisher=Le Matin|date=October 13, 2013|access-date=27 August 2024|language=French|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/2013-10-17/http://www.lematin.ma/journal/rencontre-amicale-husa-jsk_saad-lemti-premier-buteur-du-grand-stade-d-agadir/189422.html|archive-date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> The Adrar stadium replaced their old venue, [[Stade Al Inbiaâte]], as the home stadium of the local football club, Hassania Agadir.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.footballgroundmap.com/ground/stade-al-inbiaate/raja-agadir|website= footballgroundmap.com| title=Stade Al Inbiaate| access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref>


===Stadium details===
===Stadium details===
The stadium's facade covered in stone steps evokes a [[stepped pyramid]], and inside is the football field, surrounded by an [[athletics track]].<ref name=stadiumdb/> The final cost of the construction was 860 million MAD ($103 million in USD) in 2013, going up to 1.008 [[billion|bn]] [[Moroccan Dirham]]s (MAD). The architects for the project were the Italian firm, [[Vittorio Gregotti|Gregotti Associati International]] with the collaboration of the Moroccan architect Sâd Benkiran. On the site is a Conference Center, Exhibition Center, Restaurants, Snack Bar, and Shops.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/mar/grand_stade_agadir| website=stadiumdb.com| title= Grand Stade d'Agadir|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref><ref name=benkirane>{{cite web| url=https://www.sadbenkirane.com/portfolio-item/stade-dagadir/| website=sadbenkirane.com|lang=fr| trans-title=Agadir Stadium 45,000 seats|title=Stade Agadir|access-date =28 August 2024}}</ref> The stadium completed in 2013 has a media tribune that holds 288 journalists and 12 different commentary boxes. The current stadium with a capacity of 45,000 is three-tier and has seating for a total of 5,000 VIP guests, including 3 VIP zones each capable of hosting 250 guests, and 12 lounges that can host 300 guests.<ref name=stade/><ref name=2013a>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium%3D5002087/index.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112200430/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium=5002087/index.html |title=Agadir Stadium|website=fifa.com|publisher=[[FIFA]] |date=21 September 2013|access-date=27 August 2024| archive-date=12 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
The stadium's facade is covered in stone steps and evokes a [[stepped pyramid]], and inside is the football field, surrounded by an [[athletics track]].<ref name=stadiumdb>{{cite web| url=http://stadiumdb.com/designs/mar/grand_stade_agadir| website=stadiumdb| title=Design Grand Stade d'Agadir| access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> The original budget by 2013 was 860 million [[Moroccan Dirham]]s (MAD) ($103 million in USD) for the cost of construction, however, the final price of upgrading the stadium is higher at 1.008 [[billion|bn]] MAD. The architects for the project were the firm [[Vittorio Gregotti|Gregotti Associati International]] from Italy collaborating with the Moroccan architect Sâd Benkiran. On the site is a conference center, exhibition center, snack bar, and shops and restaurants.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/mar/grand_stade_agadir| website=stadiumdb.com| title= Grand Stade d'Agadir|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref><ref name=benkirane>{{cite web| url=https://www.sadbenkirane.com/portfolio-item/stade-dagadir/| website=sadbenkirane.com|language=fr| trans-title=Agadir Stadium 45,000 seats|title=Stade Agadir|access-date =28 August 2024}}</ref> The stadium completed in 2013.<ref name=stade/><ref name=2013a>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium%3D5002087/index.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112200430/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/destination/stadiums/stadium=5002087/index.html |title=Agadir Stadium|website=fifa.com|publisher=[[FIFA]] |date=21 September 2013|access-date=27 August 2024| archive-date=12 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Stade agadir Posti vip.jpg|thumb|left|VIP seats in the Adrar stadium.]]
[[File:Stade agadir Posti vip.jpg|thumb|left|VIP seats in the Adrar stadium.]]


===Renovation plans===
===Expansion plans===
A rendering of the stadium's renovation was confirmed in July 2024, for the stadium to be completed in phases for 2025, and then finally in 2028.<ref name=stadiumdb>{{cite web| url=http://stadiumdb.com/designs/mar/grand_stade_agadir| website=stadiumdb| title=Design Grand Stade d'Agadir| access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> The {{em|Adrar Stadium}} will be upgraded in 2 phases for different tournaments, firstly the stadium will meet CAF's standards for the 2025 AFCON (African Cup) tournament held in Morocco. Then, the stadium will be further expanded and upgraded, but to a higher standard to meet the FIFA standards, in time for the FIFA World Cup 2030. The renovation work is part of an ongoing work funded by the [[Caisse de dépôt et de gestion|CDG]] state fund to upgrade the country's sporting infrastructure as part of a [[Moroccan dirham|MAD]] 9,400,000,000 (£756m/€867m/$920m) initial investment between 2023-2025 for the stadiums; ''Adrar'' in Agadir, [[Ibn Batouta Stadium|Ibn Batouta]] in [[Tangier]], [[Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium|Prince Moulay Abdellah]] in [[Rabat]], [[Mohamed V Stadium|Mohamed V]] in [[Casablanca]], [[Fez Stadium]] and the [[Marrakesh Stadium]]. After phase one, there will be the second phase of construction between 2025 and 2028, involving another government-funded investment of between MAD 4.5{{snd}}6 billion for the same six stadiums. Also, another MAD 5bn will be used for the construction of the new [[Hassan II Stadium]] in Casablanca to be completed by 2028. All of which will be ready for the [[2030 FIFA World Cup]], which is to be co-hosted by Morocco and five other countries.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2023/10/23/morocco-details-stadium-investment-plan-for-world-cup-africa-cup-of-nations/| website=thestadiumbusiness.com| title=Morocco details stadium investment plan for World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations|date= 23 October 2023|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/morocco-to-build-and-upgrade-stadiums-before-2030-world-cup/8032434.article | website=constructionbriefing.com| title= Morocco to build and upgrade stadiums before 2030 World Cup| date= 24 October 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://footballgroundguide.com/news/morocco-2030-world-cup-stadiums| website=footballgroundguide.com| title= Morocco 2030 World Cup stadiums: New grounds to be built?| date=29 January 2024}}</ref><ref name=media>{{cite web| url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/morocco-build-new-stadium-upgrade-six-others-before-2030-world-cup-2023-10-20/| website=reuters.com|publisher=[[Reuters]]| title=Morocco to build new stadium, upgrade six others before 2030 World Cup|date= 20 October 2023}}</ref>
A two-phase expansion project, as part of a national investment in sporting infrastructure, was announced in 2024. The first phase, to be completed for the 2025 [[Africa Cup of Nations]] to be held in Morocco, will expand capacity by 14,144. The second phase, to begin after the Africa Cup of Nations and conclude in 2028, will increase football capacity to approximately 70,000 in time for the [[2030 FIFA World Cup]], which Morocco will co-host.<ref name=freelance>{{cite web| url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/when-where-next-afcon-year-dates-host-stadiums-2025-morocco/7908e405b657329ea980c68e| website= sportingnews.com| title= When and where is next AFCON? Confirmed dates, year, host cities, stadiums for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco| date=21 June 2024}}</ref><ref name=media>{{cite web| url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/morocco-build-new-stadium-upgrade-six-others-before-2030-world-cup-2023-10-20/| website=reuters.com|publisher=[[Reuters]]| title=Morocco to build new stadium, upgrade six others before 2030 World Cup|date= 20 October 2023|access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/06/356099/morocco-plans-to-renovate-six-stadiums-for-2030-world-cup-matches| website= moroccoworldnews.com| title= Morocco Plans to Renovate Six Stadiums For 2030 World Cup Matches| date=23 June 2023|access-date= 13 October 2024}}</ref>

Initial renovations in Adrar Stadium will see an increase in capacity of 14,144.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/06/356099/morocco-plans-to-renovate-six-stadiums-for-2030-world-cup-matches| website= moroccoworldnews.com| title= Morocco Plans to Renovate Six Stadiums For 2030 World Cup Matches| date=23 June 2023|access-date= 28 August 2024}}</ref> The expansion for the Adrar stadium will see its capacity increased to approximately 70,000 seats for the use of football before the 2030 World Cup.<ref name=freelance>{{cite web| url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/when-where-next-afcon-year-dates-host-stadiums-2025-morocco/7908e405b657329ea980c68e| website= sportingnews.com| title= When and where is next AFCON? Confirmed dates, year, host cities, stadiums for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco| date=21 June 2024}}</ref>


==Club matches==
==Club matches==
{{see also|Hassania Agadir}}
{{see also|Hassania Agadir}}
[[File:Husa logo 2013.png|left|thumb|150px|Hassania Agadir club logo]]
Adrar stadium plays host to the Moroccan football club ''Hassania Agadir'' ({{lang-fr|Hassania Union Sport D'Agadir}}), who play locally in the city of Agadir. As of 2024, they are in the highest league in Morocco, the [[Botola]] Pro.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://us.soccerway.com/teams/morocco/hassania-agadir/3464/| website=us.soccerway.com| title=Morocco-Hassania Union Sport D'Agadir|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> The team saw success in 2019, coming second in the [[2019 Moroccan Throne Cup|Moroccan Throne Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/11/287097/tas-casablanca-first-ever-title-historic-throne-cup-final| website=moroccoworldnews.com| title=TAS Casablanca Wins First Ever Title in Historic Throne Cup Final| date=18 November 2019| access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Hassania Agadir has seen some success on the African continent in the [[CAF Confederation Cup]], with games played in Adrar stadium. During the [[2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup|2018-19]] season, Hassania won games to qualify for the [[2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage]], where they lost to the Egyptian team [[Zamalek SC]] in the quarter finals and were eliminated from the knockout stages of the Cup.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/538980 |title= Hassania v. Zamalek| date= 7 April 2019| access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
The {{em|Adrar stadium}} plays host to the Moroccan football club ''Hassania Agadir'' ({{langx|fr|Hassania Union Sport D'Agadir}}), who play locally in the city of Agadir. As of 2024, they are in the highest league in Morocco, the [[Botola]] Pro.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://us.soccerway.com/teams/morocco/hassania-agadir/3464/| website=us.soccerway.com| title=Morocco-Hassania Union Sport D'Agadir|access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref> The team saw some success in 2019, playing in the [[2019 Moroccan Throne Cup]] final, but losing to [[Tihad AS]] of Casablanca.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/11/287097/tas-casablanca-first-ever-title-historic-throne-cup-final| website=moroccoworldnews.com| title=TAS Casablanca Wins First Ever Title in Historic Throne Cup Final| date=18 November 2019| access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> Hassania also qualified for the African continent in the [[CAF Confederation Cup]], with games played in Adrar stadium. During the [[2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup|2018-19]] season, Hassania won games to qualify for the [[2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage]], where they lost to the Egyptian team [[Zamalek SC]] in the quarter finals and were eliminated from the knockout stages of the Cup.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/538980 |title= Hassania v. Zamalek| date= 7 April 2019| access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>


===Covid-19 pandemic===
===Covid-19 pandemic===
Hassania Agadir qualified again for the [[2019–20 CAF Confederation Cup]], where they progressed into the knockout stages again, however, the [[Royal Moroccan Football Federation]] made the decision to play the quarter final home match in Agadir behind closed doors against [[Al-Nasr SC (Benghazi)|Al-Nasr of Libya]], without any fans in attendance due to the restrictions imposed because of the [[Covid-19 pandemic]], a game Hassania won. Then, Hassania then lost in the semi-final to fellow Moroccan's, [[RS Berkane]], the game was delayed half a year after the postponement of the compeition due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/54609075| website=bbc.com| title= African Confederation Cup: RS Berkane beat Hassania Agadir to reach final|date=19 October 2020| access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/51750452 |title=Coronavirus: Moroccan football matches to be played without fans| date= 5 March 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
Hassania Agadir qualified for the [[2019–20 CAF Confederation Cup]], where they progressed into the knockout stages again. However, the [[Royal Moroccan Football Federation]] made the decision to play the quarter final home match against [[Al-Nasr SC (Benghazi)|Al-Nasr of Libya]] in Agadir behind closed doors, without any fans in attendance due to the restrictions imposed because of the [[Covid-19 pandemic]]. Hassania won the game, but then lost in the semi-final to fellow Moroccan team [[RS Berkane]]. The match had been delayed for five months because of the competition's postponement due to the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/54609075| website=bbc.com| title= African Confederation Cup: RS Berkane beat Hassania Agadir to reach final|date=19 October 2020| access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/51750452 |website=bbc.com|title=Coronavirus: Moroccan football matches to be played without fans| date= 5 March 2020|access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>


==International matches==
==International matches==
[[File:Adrar Stadium Agadir, 2013.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|right|Adrar stadium lit for night match.]]
[[File:Adrar Stadium Agadir, 2013.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|right|Adrar stadium lit for night match.]]
Since its opening in 2013, the {{em|Adrar stadium}} in Agadir has played host to numerous football matches for clubs and countries from around the world, including [[FIFA]] (Club World Cup) and [[Confederation of African Football|CAF]] (African Nations Championship) tournament games, and will host more tournaments in the future.<ref name=stade/> As well as Moroccan friendlies, qualification matches, and tournaments, Adrar stadium has also hosted other African nations as a neutral venue for friendlies and had various African (CAF) teams play against each other in qualification matches for [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)]], [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]] and [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)]].<ref name=teams/> However, the Moroccan government decided to cancel hosting the [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations]] due to fears of the [[Western African Ebola virus epidemic|Ebola outbreak]], the Adrar stadium would have been used for the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=7Q1Us%2bTZ%2bi03aalfg76fmw%3d%3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111203015/http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=7Q1Us%2bTZ%2bi03aalfg76fmw%3d%3d |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2014 |title=CAF acknowledges Morocco's refusal to host ORANGE AFCON 2015 from January 17 to February 8 |publisher=CAF |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Instead, [[Equatorial Guinea]] was chosen as a replacement country to host the 2015 edition of AFCON.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30053859 | title=2015 Nations Cup: Equatorial Guinea to host tournament | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=14 November 2014 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
Since its opening in 2013, the {{em|Adrar stadium}} in Agadir has played host to numerous football matches for clubs and countries from around the world, including [[FIFA]] (Club World Cup) and [[Confederation of African Football|CAF]] (African Nations Championship) tournament games. It will host more tournaments in the future.<ref name=stade/> As well as Moroccan friendlies, qualification matches, and tournaments, Adrar stadium has also hosted other African nations, serving as a neutral venue for friendlies, and has had various African (CAF) teams play against each other in qualification matches for [[2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)]], [[2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]] and [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)]].<ref name=teams/> Though the Moroccan government decided to cancel hosting the [[2015 Africa Cup of Nations]] due to fears of the [[Western African Ebola virus epidemic|Ebola outbreak]], the Adrar stadium would have been used for the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=7Q1Us%2bTZ%2bi03aalfg76fmw%3d%3d |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111203015/http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=7Q1Us%2bTZ%2bi03aalfg76fmw%3d%3d |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 November 2014 |title=CAF acknowledges Morocco's refusal to host ORANGE AFCON 2015 from January 17 to February 8 |publisher=CAF |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Instead, [[Equatorial Guinea]] was chosen as a replacement country to host the 2015 edition of AFCON.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30053859 | title=2015 Nations Cup: Equatorial Guinea to host tournament | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=14 November 2014 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>


Former Moroccan men's national team manager, [[Ezzaki Badou]] has praised the stadium and its fans from the [[Sous]] area, also citing the moderate climate of Agadir as favorable for the players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=بادو الزاكي ينوه بالجمهور السوسي|trans-title=Badou Zaki praises the Soussi audience |website=anfaspress.com|url=https://anfaspress.com/index.php/news/voir/26004-2015-10-08-09-27-50 |access-date=27 August 2024 |language=ar-ma |archive-date=11 December 2022 |date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211185233/https://anfaspress.com/index.php/news/voir/26004-2015-10-08-09-27-50 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=الزاكي مصر على اختيار أدرار لملاقاة الرأس الأخضر|trans-title= Zaki insists on choosing Adrar to face Cape Verde|url=https://m.le360.ma/sport/ar/page.php?link=http://ar.sport.le360.ma/maroc/4563|date=18 January 2016 |access-date=27 August 2024 |website=m.le360.ma |language=ar-ma |archive-date=11 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211185230/https://m.le360.ma/sport/ar/page.php?link=http://ar.sport.le360.ma/maroc/4563 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Former Moroccan men's national team manager [[Ezzaki Badou]] has praised the stadium and its fans from the [[Sous]] area, also citing the moderate climate of Agadir as favorable for the players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=بادو الزاكي ينوه بالجمهور السوسي|trans-title=Badou Zaki praises the Soussi audience |website=anfaspress.com|url=https://anfaspress.com/index.php/news/voir/26004-2015-10-08-09-27-50 |access-date=27 August 2024 |language=ar-ma |archive-date=11 December 2022 |date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211185233/https://anfaspress.com/index.php/news/voir/26004-2015-10-08-09-27-50 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=الزاكي مصر على اختيار أدرار لملاقاة الرأس الأخضر|trans-title= Zaki insists on choosing Adrar to face Cape Verde|url=https://m.le360.ma/sport/ar/page.php?link=http://ar.sport.le360.ma/maroc/4563|date=18 January 2016 |access-date=27 August 2024 |website=m.le360.ma |language=ar-ma |archive-date=11 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211185230/https://m.le360.ma/sport/ar/page.php?link=http://ar.sport.le360.ma/maroc/4563 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Moroccan men's matches===
===Moroccan men's matches===
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|31 May 2017|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] ||style="text-align:center;"|1-2 || {{fbaicon|NED}} [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] ||Friendly
|31 May 2017|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] ||style="text-align:center;"|1-2 || {{fbaicon|NED}} [[Netherlands national football team|Netherlands]] ||Friendly
|-
|-
|12 November 2015|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] ||style="text-align:center;"|2-0 || {{fbaicon|EQG}} [[Equatorial Guinea national football team|Equitorial Guinea]] ||[[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round|2018 FIFA-CAF 2nd round]]
|12 November 2015|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] ||style="text-align:center;"|2-0 || {{fbaicon|EQG}} [[Equatorial Guinea national football team|Equatorial Guinea]] ||[[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round|2018 FIFA-CAF 2nd round]]
|-
|-
|12 October 2015|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] ||style="text-align:center;"|1-1 || {{fbaicon|GUI}} [[Guinea national football team|Guinea]] ||Friendly
|12 October 2015|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Morocco national football team|Morocco]] ||style="text-align:center;"|1-1 || {{fbaicon|GUI}} [[Guinea national football team|Guinea]] ||Friendly
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===CAF===
===CAF===
{{see also|Confederation of African Football|2025 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{see also|Confederation of African Football|2025 Africa Cup of Nations}}
The ''Confederation of African Football'' (CAF) hosts matches in Agadir's Adrar stadium. The most recent tournament in Agadir was the [[2018 African Nations Championship]], a competition for men's football in [[Africa]]. The country is hosting the African Football Cup of Nations in 2025 for the first time in over 36 years since the [[1988 African Cup of Nations]]. The Adrar stadium will again be a venue for some of the matches involving the 24 African teams as one of the neutral venues in Morocco.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/news/morocco-readies-for-totalenergies-caf-afcon-return-after-36-year-hiatus/| website=cafonline.com| title=Morocco readies for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON return after 36-year hiatus |date=2 July 2024 }}</ref><ref name=stade>{{Cite web| url=https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2023/02/03/grand-stade-dagadir-where-the-atlas-mountains-blend-with-sports-facility/| website= sportsvillagesquare.com| title=Grand Stade d'Agadir; where the Atlas Mountains blend with sports facility| date=3 February 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Also, Morocco hosted the [[2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations]], however, the Adrar stadium was not used for the competition, instead [[Rabat]] and [[Casablanca]] were chosen as host cities.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.newarab.com/features/wafcon-2022-morocco-womens-football-await-historic-final| website=newarab.com| title= Women's African Cup of Nations 2022: Morocco women's football team await historic final in tournament of firsts| date=22 July 2022|access-date= 27 August 2024}}</ref>
The ''Confederation of African Football'' (CAF) hosts matches in Agadir's Adrar stadium. The most recent tournament in Agadir was the [[2018 African Nations Championship]], a competition for men's football in [[Africa]]. The country is hosting the African Football Cup of Nations in 2025 for the first time in over 36 years since the [[1988 African Cup of Nations]]. The Adrar stadium will again be a venue for some of the matches involving the 24 African teams, serving as one of the neutral venues in Morocco.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/news/morocco-readies-for-totalenergies-caf-afcon-return-after-36-year-hiatus/| website=cafonline.com| title=Morocco readies for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON return after 36-year hiatus |date=2 July 2024 }}</ref><ref name=stade>{{Cite web| url=https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2023/02/03/grand-stade-dagadir-where-the-atlas-mountains-blend-with-sports-facility/| website= sportsvillagesquare.com| title=Grand Stade d'Agadir; where the Atlas Mountains blend with sports facility| date=3 February 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Morocco also hosted the [[2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations]]; however, the Adrar stadium was not used for the competition. Instead [[Rabat]] and [[Casablanca]] were chosen as host cities.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.newarab.com/features/wafcon-2022-morocco-womens-football-await-historic-final| website=newarab.com| title= Women's African Cup of Nations 2022: Morocco women's football team await historic final in tournament of firsts| date=22 July 2022|access-date= 27 August 2024}}</ref>


====2018 African Nations Cup====
====2018 African Nations Cup====
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===FIFA===
===FIFA===
{{see also|FIFA}}
{{see also|FIFA}}
The Adrar stadium has played host to numerous FIFA international football games on club and country levels. There has been the [[FIFA Club World Cup]] tournament held in the city, and there's another bid for Agadir to again become a host venue for the [[2029 FIFA Club World Cup]]. Also, the venue will be a destination for co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2030, with Morocco becoming the second country in Africa to host the tournament after South Africa.<ref name=2013a/><ref name=media/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/10/358100/morocco-plans-to-host-2029-fifa-club-world-cup| website=moroccoworldnews.com| title= Morocco Plans to Host 2029 FIFA Club World Cup| date=5 October 2023| access-date= 28 August 2024}}</ref>
The Adrar stadium has played host to numerous FIFA international football games on club and country levels. The [[FIFA Club World Cup]] tournament has been held in the city, and there is an open bid for Agadir to again become a host venue for the [[2029 FIFA Club World Cup]]. The venue will also be a destination for co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2030, with Morocco becoming the second country in Africa to host the tournament after South Africa.<ref name=2013a/><ref name=media/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/10/358100/morocco-plans-to-host-2029-fifa-club-world-cup| website=moroccoworldnews.com| title= Morocco Plans to Host 2029 FIFA Club World Cup| date=5 October 2023| access-date= 28 August 2024}}</ref>


====2013 FIFA Club World Cup====
====2013 FIFA Club World Cup====
{{see also|2013 FIFA Club World Cup}}
{{see also|2013 FIFA Club World Cup}}
[[File:Adrar Stadium Agadir, FIFA CWC 2013.jpg|thumb|right|FIFA CWC 2013 match, [[Raja Casablanca]] v. [[Auckland City FC]].]]
[[File:Adrar Stadium Agadir, FIFA CWC 2013.jpg|thumb|right|FIFA CWC 2013 match, [[Raja Casablanca]] v. [[Auckland City FC]].]]
Morocco was the destination for the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup as a replacement to the tournament being held in [[Japan]] for the then yearly [[Continent|continental]] competition. The reason for a change in the host country was because of the Japanese [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 Tōhoku earthquake]], which affected the country's infrastructure. The Moroccan bid was chosen as the first [[FIFA Club World Cup|Club World Cup]] in [[Africa]] for 2013, with Agadir playing host to 4 games in the tournament. Then, in the following year, Morocco once again hosted the [[2014 FIFA Club World Cup|2014]] edition of the CWC, although Adrar was not chosen as a venue for any matches for the tournament's second edition in Morocco.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/33/87/09/fcwc2014_matchschedule_05112014_neutral.pdf|title=Match Schedule – FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=27 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203005236/http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/33/87/09/fcwc2014_matchschedule_05112014_neutral.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moroccotomorrow.org/morocco-to-host-2013-2014-club-world-cup/| website=moroccotomorrow| title= Morocco to host 2013-2014 Club World Cup| date=17 December 2011| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Once again, Morocco was chosen as the host country for the [[2022 FIFA Club World Cup]]. However, Agadir was not chosen as a tournament venue, instead [[Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium|Rabat]] and [[Ibn Batouta Stadium|Tangier]] were chosen for the matches of the tournament. The hosting of the tournaments in Morocco gave an incentive in 2022 for the government to expand its high-speed railway, [[Al Boraq]], to finally connect Agadir to other cities.<ref name=east>{{cite web| url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/morocco-club-world-cup-tournament-boost-credentials| website=middleeasteye.com| title= Club World Cup: Hosts Morocco seek to impress Fifa after heroics in Qatar| date=1 February 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/01/353710/moroccos-high-speed-train-trial-run-finishes-in-marrakech | title=Morocco's High-Speed Train Trial Run Finishes in Marrakech | publisher=Morocco World News | date=25 January 2023 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
Morocco was the destination for the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup as a replacement to the tournament being held in [[Japan]] for the then yearly [[continent]]al competition. The reason for the change in the host country was because of the Japanese [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 Tōhoku earthquake]], which affected the country's infrastructure. The Moroccan bid was chosen as the first [[FIFA Club World Cup|Club World Cup]] in [[Africa]] for 2013, with Agadir playing host to 4 games in the tournament. Then, in the following year, Morocco once again hosted the [[2014 FIFA Club World Cup|2014]] edition of the CWC, although Adrar was not chosen as a venue for any matches for the tournament's second edition in Morocco.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/33/87/09/fcwc2014_matchschedule_05112014_neutral.pdf|title=Match Schedule – FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014|publisher=FIFA.com|access-date=27 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203005236/http://resources.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/33/87/09/fcwc2014_matchschedule_05112014_neutral.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moroccotomorrow.org/morocco-to-host-2013-2014-club-world-cup/| website=moroccotomorrow| title= Morocco to host 2013-2014 Club World Cup| date=17 December 2011| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> For a third time, Morocco was chosen as the host country for the [[2022 FIFA Club World Cup]]. However, Agadir was not chosen as a tournament venue; instead [[Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium|Rabat]] and [[Ibn Batouta Stadium|Tangier]] were chosen for the matches of the tournament. The hosting of the tournaments in Morocco gave an incentive in 2022 for the government to expand its high-speed railway, [[Al Boraq]], to finally connect Agadir to other cities.<ref name=east>{{cite web| url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/morocco-club-world-cup-tournament-boost-credentials| website=middleeasteye.com| title= Club World Cup: Hosts Morocco seek to impress Fifa after heroics in Qatar| date=1 February 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/01/353710/moroccos-high-speed-train-trial-run-finishes-in-marrakech | title=Morocco's High-Speed Train Trial Run Finishes in Marrakech | publisher=Morocco World News | date=25 January 2023 | access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>


{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
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|14 December 2013<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round%3D259709/match%3D300260479/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221150258/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259709/match=300260479/report.html |title=QF Match|website=fifa.com |date=14 December 2013|archive-date=21 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>||16:00|| {{fbaicon|CHN}} [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]] ||style="text-align:center;"| 2-0|| {{fbaicon|EGY}} [[Al Ahly SC|Al Ahly]] ||[[2013 FIFA Club World Cup#Quarter-finals|Quarter-finals]]||style="text-align:center;"|34,579
|14 December 2013<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round%3D259709/match%3D300260479/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221150258/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259709/match=300260479/report.html |title=QF Match|website=fifa.com |date=14 December 2013|archive-date=21 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>||16:00|| {{fbaicon|CHN}} [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]] ||style="text-align:center;"| 2-0|| {{fbaicon|EGY}} [[Al Ahly SC|Al Ahly]] ||[[2013 FIFA Club World Cup#Quarter-finals|Quarter-finals]]||style="text-align:center;"|34,579
|-
|-
|14 December 2013<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round%3D259715/match%3D300260484/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220030750/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259709/match=300260486/report.html |title=QF Match|website=fifa.com |date=14 December 2013|archive-date=20 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>||19:30|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Raja CA|Raja Casablanca]] ||style="text-align:center;"|2-1 [[Overtime_(sports)#Association_football|a.e.t.]]|| {{fbaicon|MEX}} [[C.F. Monterrey|Monterrey]] ||[[2013 FIFA Club World Cup#Quarter-finals|Quarter-finals]]||style="text-align:center;"|34,579
|14 December 2013<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round%3D259715/match%3D300260484/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220030750/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259709/match=300260486/report.html |title=QF Match|website=fifa.com |date=14 December 2013|archive-date=20 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>||19:30|| {{fbaicon|MAR}} [[Raja CA|Raja Casablanca]] ||style="text-align:center;"|2-1 [[Overtime (sports)#Association football|a.e.t.]]|| {{fbaicon|MEX}} [[C.F. Monterrey|Monterrey]] ||[[2013 FIFA Club World Cup#Quarter-finals|Quarter-finals]]||style="text-align:center;"|34,579
|-
|-
|14 December 2013<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round%3D259709/match%3D300260486/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219034047/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259715/match=300260484/report.html |title=SF Match|website=fifa.com |date=14 December 2013|archive-date=19 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>||19:30||{{fbaicon|CHN}} [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]] ||style="text-align:center;"|0-3|| {{fbaicon|GER}} [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] ||[[2013 FIFA Club World Cup#Semi-finals|Semi-finals]]||style="text-align:center;"|27,311
|17 December 2013<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round%3D259709/match%3D300260486/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219034047/http://www.fifa.com/clubworldcup/matches/round=259715/match=300260484/report.html |title=SF Match|website=fifa.com |date=14 December 2013|archive-date=19 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>||19:30||{{fbaicon|CHN}} [[Guangzhou F.C.|Guangzhou Evergrande]] ||style="text-align:center;"|0-3|| {{fbaicon|GER}} [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]] ||[[2013 FIFA Club World Cup#Semi-finals|Semi-finals]]||style="text-align:center;"|27,311
|-
|-
|}
|}
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====2030 FIFA World Cup====
====2030 FIFA World Cup====
{{see also|2030 FIFA World Cup}}
{{see also|2030 FIFA World Cup}}
In attempting to host the FIFA World Cup, Morocco had shown plenty of initiative with the failed [[Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid]], with the Adrar stadium being instrumental in the application. However, [[2026 FIFA World Cup|USA-Canada-Mexico]] were instead chosen as co-hosts.<ref name=east/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://inside.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/media-releases/canada-mexico-and-usa-selected-as-hosts-of-the-2026-fifa-world-cuptm|website=inside.fifa.com| title=Canada, Mexico and USA selected as hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup|date=13 June 2018| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Then, the [[Morocco–Portugal–Spain 2030 FIFA World Cup bid]] was chosen for the following World Cup four years later, with the Adrar stadium being scheduled to be used as part of Morocco's joint bid, along with [[Spain]] and [[Portugal]], and also [[Argentina]], [[Uruguay]], and [[Paraguay]] who will host the opening games of the World Cup in recognition of the centenary anniversary of the FIFA World Cup after its inauguration for the [[1930 FIFA World Cup]] in Uruguay, Latin America.<ref name=freelance/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/articles/world-cup-2030-hosts-qualified-bidding-spain-argentina-morocco-uruguay-portugal-paraguay| website=fifa.com| title= FIFA World Cup 2030™: Everything you need to know| date=10 October 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>
In attempting to host the FIFA World Cup, Morocco had submitted the failed [[Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid]], with the Adrar stadium being instrumental in the application. However, [[2026 FIFA World Cup|USA-Canada-Mexico]] were instead chosen as co-hosts.<ref name=east/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://inside.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/media-releases/canada-mexico-and-usa-selected-as-hosts-of-the-2026-fifa-world-cuptm|website=inside.fifa.com| title=Canada, Mexico and USA selected as hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup|date=13 June 2018| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref> Then, the [[Morocco–Portugal–Spain 2030 FIFA World Cup bid]] was chosen for the following World Cup four years later, with the Adrar stadium being scheduled to be used as part of Morocco's triple joint bid, along with [[Spain]] and [[Portugal]]. The bid was for the centenary anniversary of the FIFA World Cup. For 2030, FIFA decided on a new format to celebrate the "beautiful game", which sees three continents ([[Africa]], [[Europe]] and [[South America]]) uniting to host the football (soccer) tournament. Therefore, as well as the triple bid around the [[Iberian Peninsula]], the South American countries of [[Argentina]], [[Uruguay]], and [[Paraguay]] had also bid to host the cup, and were selected to host the opening group stage games of the 2030 World Cup, whilst the rest of the group stages and knockout stages of the tournament is being held in and around the Iberian peninsula of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The decision to host three games outside of the triple bid involving Morocco was made in recognition of FIFA's inauguration for the first FIFA World Cup during [[1930 FIFA World Cup|1930 in Uruguay]], Latin America.<ref name=freelance/><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/articles/world-cup-2030-hosts-qualified-bidding-spain-argentina-morocco-uruguay-portugal-paraguay| website=fifa.com| title= FIFA World Cup 2030™: Everything you need to know| date=10 October 2023| access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.npr.org/2023/10/04/1203649363/fifa-world-cup-2023-host-countries| website=npr.org| title=6 Countries will host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 |date=4 October 2023 |access-date=21 November 2024 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
{{Moroccan football}}
{{Moroccan football}}
{{GNF Venues}}
{{FIFA Club World Cup}}
{{FIFA Club World Cup}}
{{African Nations Championship}}
{{African Nations Championship}}
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[[Category:Football venues in Morocco]]
[[Category:Football venues in Morocco]]
[[Category:International association football competitions hosted by Morocco]]
[[Category:Athletics (track and field) venues in Morocco]]
[[Category:Athletics (track and field) venues in Morocco]]
[[Category:Sport in Agadir]]
[[Category:Sport in Agadir]]

Latest revision as of 00:15, 25 December 2024

Adrar Stadium
Grand Stade d'Agadir
Annar Adrar
Adrar Stadium in 2019
Stade de Agadir is located in Morocco
Stade de Agadir
Stade de Agadir
Stade de Agadir, Souss-Massa, Morocco
Stade de Agadir is located in Africa
Stade de Agadir
Stade de Agadir
Stade de Agadir (Africa)
LocationHay Mohammadi
80,000 Agadir
Souss-Massa
Morocco
Owner
  • Ministry of Youth & Sports
  • Ministry of Equipment & Transport
OperatorSonarges
Capacity45,480
Field size105 by 84 metres (114.8 yd × 91.9 yd) (9,000 m²)
Surface
  • Grass
  • Classic Tartan track
Construction
Built4 June 2004; 2007; 2009
OpenedOctober 11, 2013
Renovated2023/25
2025/28
Construction cost$103,000,000 (USD)
MAD 860 million (2013)
Architect
Tenants
Website
sonarges.ma

Adrar Stadium (Arabic: ملعب آدرار; Berber languages: ⴰⴱⴰⵔⴰⵣ ⵏ ⵓⴷⵔⴰⵔ (Adrar means mountain in Tamazight[1]); French: Grand Stade d'Agadir), is a multi-use stadium in Agadir, in the Souss-Massa region in the country of Morocco, near the Atlas Mountains, in North Africa, and is used as a home venue by the local football team, Hassania Agadir. It is also sometimes used for the Moroccan national team and for other FIFA and CAF international football matches as a neutral venue.

The construction project began on paper in 2003, with the idea of building the stadium for Morocco's failed 2006 FIFA World Cup bid. In 2007, the project resumed, but it was only completed in time for its inauguration in 2013, the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup that year. It has also hosted the 2018 African Nations Cup.

The Adrar Stadium, with a capacity of 45,480, is mostly used for club football matches in the Botola Pro League, but it is also a host for occasional football matches for the Moroccan national team, a neutral venue for CAF friendlies and tournament qualifiers, and a music concert venue. As of 2024, renovations are under way to increase its capacity ahead of international football tournaments to be hosted by Morocco in 2025 and 2030.

History

[edit]

The stadium's first plan was to be a host venue as a part of Morocco's bid for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which was instead awarded to Germany. Then, the project was put on hold and resumed in 2007 for Morocco's failed bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when in 2010, South Africa was awarded the tournament as the host, and plans for the stadium were paused. The project was resumed in 2009 and finally completed on 11 October 2013.[2][3][4] The inaugural match featured tenants Hassania Agadir—moving from the Stade Al Inbiaâte—in a friendly match against the Algerian side JS Kabylie. Hassania's Saad Lemti scored the first goal in the stadium in the 76th minute, the lone goal of the match.[5] The Adrar stadium replaced their old venue, Stade Al Inbiaâte, as the home stadium of the local football club, Hassania Agadir.[6]

Stadium details

[edit]

The stadium's facade is covered in stone steps and evokes a stepped pyramid, and inside is the football field, surrounded by an athletics track.[7] The original budget by 2013 was 860 million Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) ($103 million in USD) for the cost of construction, however, the final price of upgrading the stadium is higher at 1.008 bn MAD. The architects for the project were the firm Gregotti Associati International from Italy collaborating with the Moroccan architect Sâd Benkiran. On the site is a conference center, exhibition center, snack bar, and shops and restaurants.[8][2] The stadium completed in 2013.[3][9]

VIP seats in the Adrar stadium.

Expansion plans

[edit]

A two-phase expansion project, as part of a national investment in sporting infrastructure, was announced in 2024. The first phase, to be completed for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco, will expand capacity by 14,144. The second phase, to begin after the Africa Cup of Nations and conclude in 2028, will increase football capacity to approximately 70,000 in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.[10][11][12]

Club matches

[edit]
See also: Hassania Agadir
Hassania Agadir club logo

The Adrar stadium plays host to the Moroccan football club Hassania Agadir (French: Hassania Union Sport D'Agadir), who play locally in the city of Agadir. As of 2024, they are in the highest league in Morocco, the Botola Pro.[13] The team saw some success in 2019, playing in the 2019 Moroccan Throne Cup final, but losing to Tihad AS of Casablanca.[14] Hassania also qualified for the African continent in the CAF Confederation Cup, with games played in Adrar stadium. During the 2018-19 season, Hassania won games to qualify for the 2018–19 CAF Confederation Cup knockout stage, where they lost to the Egyptian team Zamalek SC in the quarter finals and were eliminated from the knockout stages of the Cup.[15]

Covid-19 pandemic

[edit]

Hassania Agadir qualified for the 2019–20 CAF Confederation Cup, where they progressed into the knockout stages again. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation made the decision to play the quarter final home match against Al-Nasr of Libya in Agadir behind closed doors, without any fans in attendance due to the restrictions imposed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hassania won the game, but then lost in the semi-final to fellow Moroccan team RS Berkane. The match had been delayed for five months because of the competition's postponement due to the pandemic.[16][17]

International matches

[edit]
Adrar stadium lit for night match.

Since its opening in 2013, the Adrar stadium in Agadir has played host to numerous football matches for clubs and countries from around the world, including FIFA (Club World Cup) and CAF (African Nations Championship) tournament games. It will host more tournaments in the future.[3] As well as Moroccan friendlies, qualification matches, and tournaments, Adrar stadium has also hosted other African nations, serving as a neutral venue for friendlies, and has had various African (CAF) teams play against each other in qualification matches for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF), 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF).[18] Though the Moroccan government decided to cancel hosting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations due to fears of the Ebola outbreak, the Adrar stadium would have been used for the tournament.[19] Instead, Equatorial Guinea was chosen as a replacement country to host the 2015 edition of AFCON.[20]

Former Moroccan men's national team manager Ezzaki Badou has praised the stadium and its fans from the Sous area, also citing the moderate climate of Agadir as favorable for the players.[21][22]

Moroccan men's matches

[edit]

Football matches played involving the Moroccan men's national team in Adrar stadium since its opening in 2013:[18]

Date Team #1 Result Team #2 Round
11 June 2024 Morocco Morocco 6-0 Republic of the Congo Congo 2026 FIFA-CAF Group E
7 June 2024 Morocco Morocco 2-1 Zambia Zambia 2026 FIFA-CAF Group E
26 March 2024 Morocco Morocco 0-0 Mauritania Mauritania Friendly
22 March 2024 Morocco Morocco 1-0 Angola Angola Friendly
17 October 2023 Morocco Morocco 3-0 Liberia Liberia 2023 ACON Qual-Group K
31 May 2017 Morocco Morocco 1-2 Netherlands Netherlands Friendly
12 November 2015 Morocco Morocco 2-0 Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea 2018 FIFA-CAF 2nd round
12 October 2015 Morocco Morocco 1-1 Guinea Guinea Friendly
9 October 2015 Morocco Morocco 0-1 Ivory Coast Ivory Coast Friendly
12 June 2015 Morocco Morocco 1-0 Libya Libya 2017 ACON Qual-Group F
28 March 2015 Morocco Morocco 0-1 Uruguay Uruguay Friendly
16 November 2014 Morocco Morocco 2-1 Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Friendly
13 November 2014 Morocco Morocco 6-1 Benin Benin Friendly
11 October 2013 Morocco Morocco 1-1 South Africa South Africa Friendly

CAF

[edit]
See also: Confederation of African Football and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) hosts matches in Agadir's Adrar stadium. The most recent tournament in Agadir was the 2018 African Nations Championship, a competition for men's football in Africa. The country is hosting the African Football Cup of Nations in 2025 for the first time in over 36 years since the 1988 African Cup of Nations. The Adrar stadium will again be a venue for some of the matches involving the 24 African teams, serving as one of the neutral venues in Morocco.[23][3] Morocco also hosted the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations; however, the Adrar stadium was not used for the competition. Instead Rabat and Casablanca were chosen as host cities.[24]

2018 African Nations Cup

[edit]
See also: 2018 African Nations Championship

Results of the football matches played in Agadir for the 2018 African Nations Cup men's tournament:[25][26][27]

Date Local time Team #1 Result Team #2 Round
23 January 2018 19:30 Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea 1-3 Nigeria Nigeria Group C
16 January 2018 16:30 Angola Angola 0-0 Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Group D
16 January 2018 19:30 Cameroon Cameroon 0-1 Republic of the Congo Congo Group D
20 January 2018 16:30 Angola Angola 1-0 Cameroon Cameroon Group D
20 January 2018 19:30 Republic of the Congo Congo 2-0 Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Group D
24 January 2018 19:00 Republic of the Congo Congo 0-0 Angola Angola Group D
28 January 2018 19:30 Republic of the Congo Congo 1(3)-1(5) Libya Libya Quarter-finals

FIFA

[edit]
See also: FIFA

The Adrar stadium has played host to numerous FIFA international football games on club and country levels. The FIFA Club World Cup tournament has been held in the city, and there is an open bid for Agadir to again become a host venue for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The venue will also be a destination for co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2030, with Morocco becoming the second country in Africa to host the tournament after South Africa.[9][11][28]

2013 FIFA Club World Cup

[edit]
See also: 2013 FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA CWC 2013 match, Raja Casablanca v. Auckland City FC.

Morocco was the destination for the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup as a replacement to the tournament being held in Japan for the then yearly continental competition. The reason for the change in the host country was because of the Japanese 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, which affected the country's infrastructure. The Moroccan bid was chosen as the first Club World Cup in Africa for 2013, with Agadir playing host to 4 games in the tournament. Then, in the following year, Morocco once again hosted the 2014 edition of the CWC, although Adrar was not chosen as a venue for any matches for the tournament's second edition in Morocco.[29][30] For a third time, Morocco was chosen as the host country for the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup. However, Agadir was not chosen as a tournament venue; instead Rabat and Tangier were chosen for the matches of the tournament. The hosting of the tournaments in Morocco gave an incentive in 2022 for the government to expand its high-speed railway, Al Boraq, to finally connect Agadir to other cities.[31][32]

Date Local time Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
11 December 2013[33] 19:30 Morocco Raja Casablanca 2–1 New Zealand Auckland City Play-off for QF 34,875
14 December 2013[34] 16:00 China Guangzhou Evergrande 2-0 Egypt Al Ahly Quarter-finals 34,579
14 December 2013[35] 19:30 Morocco Raja Casablanca 2-1 a.e.t. Mexico Monterrey Quarter-finals 34,579
17 December 2013[36] 19:30 China Guangzhou Evergrande 0-3 Germany Bayern Munich Semi-finals 27,311

2030 FIFA World Cup

[edit]
See also: 2030 FIFA World Cup

In attempting to host the FIFA World Cup, Morocco had submitted the failed Morocco 2026 FIFA World Cup bid, with the Adrar stadium being instrumental in the application. However, USA-Canada-Mexico were instead chosen as co-hosts.[31][37] Then, the Morocco–Portugal–Spain 2030 FIFA World Cup bid was chosen for the following World Cup four years later, with the Adrar stadium being scheduled to be used as part of Morocco's triple joint bid, along with Spain and Portugal. The bid was for the centenary anniversary of the FIFA World Cup. For 2030, FIFA decided on a new format to celebrate the "beautiful game", which sees three continents (Africa, Europe and South America) uniting to host the football (soccer) tournament. Therefore, as well as the triple bid around the Iberian Peninsula, the South American countries of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay had also bid to host the cup, and were selected to host the opening group stage games of the 2030 World Cup, whilst the rest of the group stages and knockout stages of the tournament is being held in and around the Iberian peninsula of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The decision to host three games outside of the triple bid involving Morocco was made in recognition of FIFA's inauguration for the first FIFA World Cup during 1930 in Uruguay, Latin America.[10][38][39]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Adrar in English". glosbe.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Stade Agadir" [Agadir Stadium 45,000 seats]. sadbenkirane.com (in French). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "Grand Stade d'Agadir; where the Atlas Mountains blend with sports facility". sportsvillagesquare.com. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Grand Stade Adrar Agadir". stadiumguide.com. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  5. ^ AI (13 October 2013). "Saad Lemti, premier buteur du grand stade d'Agadir" (in French). Le Matin. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Stade Al Inbiaate". footballgroundmap.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Design Grand Stade d'Agadir". stadiumdb. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Grand Stade d'Agadir". stadiumdb.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Agadir Stadium". fifa.com. FIFA. 21 September 2013. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  10. ^ a b "When and where is next AFCON? Confirmed dates, year, host cities, stadiums for Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco". sportingnews.com. 21 June 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Morocco to build new stadium, upgrade six others before 2030 World Cup". reuters.com. Reuters. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Morocco Plans to Renovate Six Stadiums For 2030 World Cup Matches". moroccoworldnews.com. 23 June 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  13. ^ "Morocco-Hassania Union Sport D'Agadir". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  14. ^ "TAS Casablanca Wins First Ever Title in Historic Throne Cup Final". moroccoworldnews.com. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  15. ^ "Hassania v. Zamalek". 7 April 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  16. ^ "African Confederation Cup: RS Berkane beat Hassania Agadir to reach final". bbc.com. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  17. ^ "Coronavirus: Moroccan football matches to be played without fans". bbc.com. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Stade Adrar". national-football-teams.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  19. ^ "CAF acknowledges Morocco's refusal to host ORANGE AFCON 2015 from January 17 to February 8". CAF. Archived from the original on 11 November 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  20. ^ "2015 Nations Cup: Equatorial Guinea to host tournament". BBC Sport. BBC. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  21. ^ "بادو الزاكي ينوه بالجمهور السوسي" [Badou Zaki praises the Soussi audience]. anfaspress.com (in Arabic). 8 October 2015. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  22. ^ "الزاكي مصر على اختيار أدرار لملاقاة الرأس الأخضر" [Zaki insists on choosing Adrar to face Cape Verde]. m.le360.ma (in Arabic). 18 January 2016. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Morocco readies for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON return after 36-year hiatus". cafonline.com. 2 July 2024.
  24. ^ "Women's African Cup of Nations 2022: Morocco women's football team await historic final in tournament of firsts". newarab.com. 22 July 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  25. ^ "African Nations Cup, Group C". national-football-teams.com. 15 January 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  26. ^ "African Nations Cup, Group D". national-football-teams.com. 16 January 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  27. ^ "African Nations Cup, Quarter Finals". national-football-teams.com. 27 January 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  28. ^ "Morocco Plans to Host 2029 FIFA Club World Cup". moroccoworldnews.com. 5 October 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  29. ^ "Match Schedule – FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014" (PDF). FIFA.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  30. ^ "Morocco to host 2013-2014 Club World Cup". moroccotomorrow. 17 December 2011. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Club World Cup: Hosts Morocco seek to impress Fifa after heroics in Qatar". middleeasteye.com. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  32. ^ "Morocco's High-Speed Train Trial Run Finishes in Marrakech". Morocco World News. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  33. ^ "QF Playoff match". fifa.com. 11 December 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013.
  34. ^ "QF Match". fifa.com. 14 December 2013. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013.
  35. ^ "QF Match". fifa.com. 14 December 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013.
  36. ^ "SF Match". fifa.com. 14 December 2013. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013.
  37. ^ "Canada, Mexico and USA selected as hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup". inside.fifa.com. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  38. ^ "FIFA World Cup 2030™: Everything you need to know". fifa.com. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  39. ^ "6 Countries will host the FIFA World Cup in 2030". npr.org. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
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