Top 20 Biggest Stadiums in Africa (2026)

Africa is home to some of the most massive sporting venues in the world, with capacities that rival and in some cases exceed the largest stadiums in Europe and South America. These stadiums are concentrated in a handful of nations with strong football cultures and significant investment in sports infrastructure.

South Africa leads the continent with multiple venues built or renovated for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, while Egypt has invested heavily in new stadiums in recent years. Morocco has also emerged as a major player, with its venues set to host the 2030 World Cup. This list ranks the 20 biggest stadiums in Africa by official seating capacity.

Top 20 Biggest Stadiums in Africa

1. FNB Stadium (Soccer City) – Johannesburg, South Africa

The FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City or The Calabash for its distinctive pot-shaped design, is the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,736. Originally opened in 1989, it was extensively renovated for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where it hosted the final between Spain and the Netherlands.

It was also the site of Nelson Mandela’s first public speech after his release from prison in 1990 and his memorial service in 2013. The stadium is the home of Kaizer Chiefs FC and regularly hosts Bafana Bafana matches and major rugby tests.

2. Misr Stadium (New Administrative Capital Stadium) – New Administrative Capital, Egypt

Egypt’s newest colossus opened on March 22, 2024, with a capacity of 93,940, making it the second-largest stadium in Africa. Built as the centrepiece of the Egypt International Olympic City, it was designed by an Italian firm and is inspired by the headdress of Nefertiti.

It is designed to host World Cup qualifiers, AFCON fixtures, and major international tournaments, and is part of Egypt’s bids for the 2036 and 2040 Olympics.

3. Borg El Arab Stadium – Alexandria, Egypt

Commissioned in the mid-2000s as part of Egypt’s bid for the 2010 World Cup, Borg El Arab holds 86,000 spectators and is notable for being air-conditioned. It hosted matches at the 2006 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup final.

Its record attendance of 86,000 came in October 2017 when Egypt qualified for their first World Cup in 28 years by beating Congo.

4. Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote – Kinshasa, DR Congo

Originally built in 1994 as the Kamanyola Stadium, this 80,000-capacity venue in Kinshasa is the beating heart of Central African football.

It is home to AS Vita Club, DC Motema Pembe, and the Congolese national team. Its very first match was a friendly between DR Congo and Malawi, and it remains one of the largest and most atmospheric stadiums in the region.

5. Ibn Batouta Stadium (Grand Stade de Tanger) – Tangier, Morocco

Construction on this Tangier landmark began in 2002, and it opened in April 2011 with a capacity of 45,000. Successive expansions have pushed capacity to 75,600, making it Morocco’s largest stadium.

It has hosted the 2011 Africa Cup of Nations, the French Super Cup, the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, and a famous friendly where Morocco defeated Brazil 2-1 in 2023.

6. Cairo International Stadium – Cairo, Egypt

One of Africa’s most historic grounds, Cairo International Stadium opened in 1960 and currently holds around 74,100 fans, though it once packed in 120,000 spectators for a match in 1986.

It has hosted multiple Africa Cup of Nations finals and remains a spiritual home for Egyptian football. It is the home ground for Al Ahly, Zamalek, and the Egyptian national team.

7. Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – Rabat, Morocco

The original stadium was built in 1983, but the venue was completely demolished and rebuilt between 2023 and 2025, reopening in September 2025 with a capacity of 68,700.

Designed by Populous, the rebuild was completed in under two years, reportedly a Guinness World Record for stadium construction speed. It is a key venue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup.

8. Stade Mohammed V – Casablanca, Morocco

This 67,000-capacity stadium in Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most iconic venues. It is the home ground for Raja Casablanca and Wydad Casablanca, two of the most successful clubs in African football, as well as the Moroccan national team. The stadium has hosted numerous CAF Champions League finals and major international matches.

9. Stade 11 Juin – Tripoli, Libya

The June 11 Stadium in Tripoli has a capacity of 65,000 and is the largest stadium in Libya. It is the home ground for the Libyan national team and clubs including Al-Ahly Tripoli, Al-Ittihad, and Al Madina Tripoli. The stadium has hosted major domestic and international fixtures despite the country’s challenging political situation.

10. Kamuzu Stadium – Blantyre, Malawi

Named after Malawi’s first president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, this stadium opened in 1964 as Rangeley Stadium during the colonial era. With a capacity of 65,000, it is the largest stadium in Malawi and serves as the home of the Malawi national football team and Nyasa Big Bullets FC.

11. Stade 5 Juillet 1962 – Algiers, Algeria

Named after Algeria’s independence day, this 64,200-capacity stadium opened in 1972 and is the home of the Algerian national team and MC Alger. It has hosted numerous international sporting events, including the 1975 Mediterranean Games, the 1978 All-Africa Games, and the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations.

12. Ellis Park Stadium – Johannesburg, South Africa

Ellis Park Stadium has a capacity of 62,567 and is the second-largest stadium in South Africa. It is primarily a rugby venue, serving as the home of the Lions and Golden Lions, but it also hosted football matches during the 2010 World Cup and is used for major concerts.

13. Moses Mabhida Stadium – Durban, South Africa

Described as an architectural wonder and a sporting cathedral, the 62,760-seat Moses Mabhida Stadium is easily recognisable by its spectacular arch. Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it hosts football and rugby matches as well as major events. It is the home of AmaZulu FC.

14. Stade Municipal de Kintele – Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

This 60,050-capacity stadium in Brazzaville is the largest in the Republic of the Congo. It is the home ground for the Congolese national team and clubs including Diables Noirs and CARA Brazzaville. The stadium was built with Chinese investment and opened in 2015.

15. Moshood Abiola National Stadium – Abuja, Nigeria

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja has a capacity of 60,491 and is the primary home of the Nigeria national football team. It is one of the largest stadiums in West Africa and has hosted major continental and international fixtures, including matches during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

16. Stade Olympique de Rades – Rades, Tunisia

The Rades Olympic Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and is the home of the Tunisian national team and Esperance Sportive de Tunis. It opened in 2001 and has hosted Africa Cup of Nations matches, CAF Champions League finals, and major athletics events.

17. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and is the largest stadium in Tanzania. It is the home ground for the Tanzanian national team and Young Africans SC and Simba SC, the country’s two biggest clubs. The stadium was built with Chinese assistance and opened in 2007.

18. Bahir Dar Stadium – Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

The Bahir Dar Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in Ethiopia. It is a multi-purpose venue used primarily for football matches and serves the city of Bahir Dar and the surrounding region.

19. Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor – Dakar, Senegal

The Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor has a capacity of 60,000 and is one of the largest stadiums in West Africa. It is the home of the Senegalese national team and ASC Jeanne d’Arc. Opened in 1985, it has hosted numerous international fixtures and continental tournaments.

20. Moi International Sports Centre – Nairobi, Kenya

The Moi International Sports Centre, also known as Kasarani Stadium, has a capacity of 60,000 and is the largest stadium in Kenya. It is the home ground for the Kenyan national football team and hosts major athletics events, concerts, and national celebrations. The stadium was built with Chinese assistance and opened in 1987.

Comparison Table

 Tips for Understanding African Stadium Capacities

Stadium capacities in Africa can vary between sources due to renovations, temporary seating, and different counting methods.

The FNB Stadium’s capacity is sometimes listed as 87,436 rather than 94,736, reflecting different configurations for different events. The Stade des Martyrs is sometimes listed at 80,000 and sometimes higher, depending on the source.

Note that the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, is currently under construction with a planned capacity of 120,000, which would make it the largest stadium in Africa and one of the largest in the world when completed.

Closing

Africa’s largest stadiums are concentrated in a handful of nations with strong football traditions and significant investment in sports infrastructure. South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria dominate the top of the list, with the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg standing as the continent’s undisputed giant.

From the historic Cairo International Stadium to the ultra-modern Misr Stadium and the soon-to-be-built Grand Stade Hassan II, these venues represent the passion and ambition of African football.

Note that all capacities are approximate and subject to change based on renovation and reconfiguration.