As the FIFA World Cup Draws to a Close, This Football Story Across the Mediterranean Continues.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ enters its final stretch, France edged past Morocco in the quarterfinals before falling to Spain in yesterday’s semifinal. Results come and go, but the passion, drama, and connections that football creates remain timeless.

Inspired by the excitement of the tournament, we are proud to showcase Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, completed in 2025—a project brought to life through the collaboration of French and Moroccan teams, and a remarkable story of partnership across the Mediterranean.

First of all, thanks a lot to this great collaboration with Pictogramme, the stadium was designed and delivered on a remarkably fast track — a little over a year from first sketch to handover — in order to be ready for the last Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).

Hanging Garden

&

Filtering Cloud

Its concept - "The hanging garden and the filtering cloud" was born from the site itself. Given its limited size, we felt the stadium had to read as light within the city, which led us to imagine a floating, almost weightless canopy hovering above the public space.

PITCH & STANDS

The surroundings gave us our second cue. Set among Rabat's green pockets, the site invited us to plant the "Ring” - the public walkway that distributes spectators between the upper and lower stands, linked to the street by steps at each of its four corners. More than a circulation route, it became a genuine piece of public space, extending the vegetal continuity that defines Rabat, the green city.

STADIUM FACILITIES

Together, the green ring and the suspended cloud open up a transparency between the street and the heart of the stadium: from the city you sense the life within, and from the stands you never lose sight of the city.

A virtuous system that harnesses the power of football to make city life happier and healthier.

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The World Cup will eventually come to an end, but the connections football creates between people and cities will continue to inspire new stories.

Al Medina Stadium stands as a testament to that spirit: different nations, shared passion.

PROJECT PROFILE

Client:Ministry of Public Facilities – Kingdom of Morocco

Delegate Project Owner: ANEP

Architectes: Pictogramme、AIA Life Designers

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Program: FIFA-Compliant Football Stadium, athletes' locker rooms, VIP and VVIP lounge and spectator areas, media area, store and ticket office, 18,500-seat spectator stand, spectator lounge, logistic and operational areas, and an athletes' hotel

Area: 60 060m²

Cost：60 M€ HT

Design: August 2024

Delivery: June 2025

Further Reading

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