Stade Mohammed V

Stade Mohammed V is one of the oldest modern stadiums in Africa. Its construction and subsequent renovations mirror the arc of Moroccan football and the country's own history, from the colonial era through independence to the present age of continental ambition.

Construction and opening

The stadium was built during the French Protectorate period and opened in 1955, just one year before Morocco declared independence. The original capacity was approximately 50,000. From its earliest days the ground was the focal point of sporting and social life in Casablanca -- not merely a football venue but a gathering place for national consciousness. The name honouring King Mohammed V was assigned shortly after independence as a tribute to the liberating monarch.

Major renovations

A significant reconstruction took place in 1983 in preparation for African competition hosting. Capacity was adjusted and infrastructure modernised while the characteristic elliptical shape of the arena was preserved. Further upgrades followed in the 1990s and early 2000s -- improved floodlighting, enhanced player and media facilities and stand refurbishments. Ongoing renovation work is also under way in connection with Morocco's preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Notable moments

Stade Mohammed V hosted the final of the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, staged in Morocco, announcing the kingdom's ambitions as an African football power. The ground witnessed Wydad and Raja's continental triumphs in the CAF Champions League -- Wydad's most recent title came in 2022. Dozens of Casablanca derbies have been played on this turf, many of which have passed into the folklore of Moroccan football.

The atmosphere inside Stade Mohammed V ranks among the most intense in African football. The sharing of the arena by two bitter rivals -- Wydad and Raja -- turns every derby into an event that transcends sport: a clash of identities, neighbourhoods and generations that grips the entire city of Casablanca.

Fan culture

Wydad AC (nicknamed Les Rouges, the Reds) and Raja CA (nicknamed Les Verts, the Greens) each command one of the largest supporter bases on the African continent. The ultras groups of both clubs -- Winners for Wydad and Green Boys for Raja -- organise spectacular tifo displays, coordinated chants and drumming sections that transform the stands into a wall of colour and noise. The Casablanca Derby, also known as the Derby du Maroc, is consistently listed among the twenty most passionate derbies in world football. Supporters are separated into strictly designated sections and security arrangements on derby days are significantly reinforced.

Big matches

Among the most memorable fixtures are the CAF Champions League final and semi-final ties in which Wydad and Raja carried the flag of Casablanca and Morocco before all of Africa. The 2007 derby, in which Raja defeated Wydad 4:0 in the league, remains one of the most dramatic scorelines in Casablanca derby history. Morocco national team matches -- including a key qualifying win over Ivory Coast on the road to the 2022 World Cup -- have turned the stadium into a stage for collective national celebration.

Stade Mohammed V is located in the Mers Sultan district of central Casablanca, approximately 4 km from the port and 3 km from the main Casa-Voyageurs railway station. Casablanca offers excellent international access via Mohammed V International Airport, situated around 30 km south-east of the city centre.

How to get there

• Tram (T1/T2): Casablanca's tram network has a stop within walking distance of the stadium; line T1 links the city centre with the coastal zone and passes the edge of Mers Sultan.
• Petit taxi: The city's red metered taxis are the fastest option from the centre or from the main railway station; the journey takes 5--10 minutes and costs around 15--25 dirhams (approximately EUR 1.50--2.50).
• Bus: CTM and local RATC lines connect the stadium area with other neighbourhoods across Casablanca.
• Car: Parking is available near the stadium, but on derby days public transport is strongly recommended -- traffic restrictions are significant in the surrounding streets.

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Wydad and Raja matches are available at the stadium box office or through Moroccan ticketing distributors. For high-profile derbies and international fixtures tickets sell out quickly -- purchasing in advance through the FRMF (Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football) website or the respective club portals is strongly advised. Organised stadium tours are not regularly offered; interested visitors should enquire directly with the stadium administration.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive? For a derby, aim to be at the ground at least one hour before kick-off -- the surrounding streets fill with street vendors, drummers and fan groups hours before the match.
• Safety: The Casablanca Derby is one of the most security-intensive events in Morocco; follow steward instructions and enter only through the sector indicated on your ticket.
• Where to stay? Casablanca city centre, the Maarif district and the hotel streets around Boulevard d'Anfa offer dozens of options at every price point, all within 10 minutes by taxi.
• Local food: Pre-match stalls around the stadium serve msemen (Moroccan flatbread), harira (traditional soup) and grilled kefta at very reasonable prices.