With a strong love for football, it’s no surprise that Africa is home to some truly impressive stadiums.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 biggest football stadiums in Africa.
- From local derbies to international showdowns, the passion for the game runs deep across the continent.
- Each of these stadiums carries a story, a legacy, and a place in the hearts of millions of football fans.
Just like in the rest of the world, football in Africa is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life. It brings people together, creating unforgettable moments of joy, heartbreak, and national pride.
From local derbies to international showdowns, the passion for the game runs deep across the continent.
With such a strong love for football, it’s no surprise that Africa is home to some truly impressive stadiums. These massive arenas have become symbols of history, culture, and national identity.
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Some have hosted legendary matches, while others have staged major global events, including the FIFA World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and CAF Champions League finals. Each of these stadiums carries a story, a legacy, and a place in the hearts of millions of football fans.
Below are the 10 biggest football stadiums in Africa
1) FNB Stadium, South Africa (94,736)
FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, is the largest stadium in Africa, with a seating capacity of 94,736. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, it is famous for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, where Spain defeated the Netherlands.
Opened in 1989, the stadium underwent major renovations before the World Cup, featuring its unique “calabash” design inspired by traditional African pottery. It serves as the home ground for Kaizer Chiefs FC and also hosts concerts and political events.
2) Misr Stadium, Egypt (93,940)
Misr Stadium, also known as Egypt International Stadium, is one of the largest football arenas in Africa, with a 93,940 seating capacity. Situated in Cairo, Egypt, it has been a major venue for domestic and international matches, including Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.
The stadium boasts modern facilities, high-quality turf, and an electric atmosphere during big games. It regularly hosts matches for Egypt’s national football team and top clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek.
3) Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt (86,000)
Located in Alexandria, Egypt, Borg El-Arab Stadium is the third-largest stadium in Africa, accommodating 86,000 spectators. Opened in 2007, it was initially designed to bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It has hosted major events like Egyptian Premier League matches, AFCON qualifiers, and international friendlies.
4) Stade des Martyrs, DR Congo (80,000)
Stade des Martyrs, located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, is a historic multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 80,000 seats. Built in 1994, it serves as the home of the Congolese national football team and top clubs like AS Vita Club and TP Mazembe. The stadium has hosted CAF Champions League matches, World Cup qualifiers, and national events.
5) Cairo International Stadium, Egypt (75,000)
Cairo International Stadium, one of Africa’s most historic venues, has a capacity of 75,000 and is located in Nasr City, Cairo. Built in 1960, it has hosted several AFCON tournaments, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Egyptian Premier League matches. The stadium is home to Al Ahly, Zamalek, and the Egyptian national team, with fans creating an intense atmosphere during matches.
6) Ibn Batouta Stadium, Morocco (65,000)
Ibn Batouta Stadium, located in Tangier, Morocco, has a seating capacity of 65,000 and is named after the famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Batouta. Opened in 2011, the stadium has hosted high-profile events such as the CAF Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and AFCON matches. It is home to IRT Tangier, a club in Morocco’s top football division.
7) Stade du 5 Juillet, Algeria (64,000)
Stade du 5 Juillet 1962, located in Algiers, Algeria, is one of the most iconic stadiums in North Africa, with a 64,000-seat capacity. Opened in 1972, the stadium was named after Algeria’s Independence Day (July 5, 1962). It has hosted major tournaments like the AFCON, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the Mediterranean Games. The stadium is home to Algeria’s national team and top clubs like MC Alger and USM Alger.
8) Ellis Park Stadium, South Africa (62,567)
Ellis Park Stadium, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, has a capacity of 62,567. Originally built in 1928, it is known for hosting both football and rugby matches, including the famous 1995 Rugby World Cup final, where South Africa won under Nelson Mandela’s leadership. In football, it has hosted FIFA World Cup matches, including the 2010 tournament.
9) Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Nigeria (60,491)
Moshood Abiola National Stadium, located in Abuja, Nigeria, has a capacity of 60,491 and serves as the home of Nigeria’s national football team. Built in 2003, it was originally called Abuja National Stadium before being renamed in honor of Moshood Abiola, a Nigerian politician and philanthropist. The stadium has hosted AFCON finals, FIFA U-17 World Cup matches, and World Cup qualifiers.
10) Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ivory Coast (60,000)
Alassane Ouattara Stadium, located in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has a capacity of 60,000 and is one of the newest major stadiums in Africa. Opened in 2020, it was built for AFCON 2023 and named after Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara.
