Africa is home to some of the most impressive stadiums in the world, showcasing not only architectural grandeur but also the rich sporting culture across the continent.
These massive arenas have played host to iconic football matches, athletic events, and concerts, attracting millions of fans from far and wide, reports Vanguard.
From the bustling cities of South Africa to Egypt and Nigeria, these stadiums are landmarks that embody the passion Africans have for sports and entertainment.
In this piece, we will explore the 10 biggest stadiums in Africa, ranked by their seating capacities and international significance.
FNB Stadium – South Africa – 94,736
FNB Stadium in Nasrec, South Africa, is Africa’s largest football venue with a capacity of 94,736. It was renovated in 2009 for the 2010 World Cup, where Spain won the final. Known locally as Soccer City, it is also called The Calabash for its shape. Home to Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team, it also hosts rugby matches and major concerts, such as U2’s 2011 record-breaking attendance of 94,232.
New Administrative Capital Stadium – Egypt – 93,940
Egypt’s New Administrative Capital Stadium is the second largest in Africa, with a capacity of 93,940. Completed in 2023, it became Egypt’s national stadium in 2024, hosting its first match in March of that year. The Egyptian government invested heavily in its construction, which is part of a potential World Cup bid.
Borg El-Arab Stadium – Egypt – 86,000
Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt’s former largest stadium, can hold 86,000 people. Opened in 2009, it is used by Egypt’s national team and local club Smouha. It was one of the venues built for Egypt’s unsuccessful 2010 World Cup bid.
Stade des Martyrs – Democratic Republic of Congo – 80,000
Stade des Martyrs in the DRC, with a capacity of 80,000, hosts national football matches and club teams AS Vita Club and DCMP. It was named in honor of political figures executed in 1966. The stadium also hosts religious events and concerts, such as a 2023 visit by Pope Francis.
Cairo International Stadium – Egypt – 75,000
Cairo International Stadium, with a current capacity of 75,000, is the primary venue for Egyptian football. It hosted the 2019 AFCON final and is famous for once accommodating 120,000 fans during a 1986 match. Al Ahly and El Zamalek played the 2020 CAF Champions League final here.
Ibn Batouta Stadium – Morocco – 68,000
Ibn Batouta Stadium in Morocco holds 68,000 people. Opened in 2011, it expanded ahead of Morocco’s hosting of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup. It has hosted significant matches, including Morocco’s 2-1 victory over Brazil in 2023.
Stade du 5 Juillet – Algeria – 65,000
Algeria’s Stade du 5 Juillet holds 65,000 fans and once hosted 110,000 for a match in 2010. Safety renovations have reduced its capacity.
Ellis Park – South Africa – 62,567
Ellis Park in South Africa is an iconic stadium with a capacity of 62,567. Known for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, it also hosted charity football matches and national team games before FNB Stadium opened.
Moshood Abiola National Stadium – Nigeria – 60,491
Nigeria’s Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with a capacity of 60,491, has been the primary home of the Nigerian national team since it opened in 2003. It also hosts religious events and concerts.
Alassane Ouattara Stadium – Ivory Coast – 60,000
Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium, which holds 60,000 people, is home to the national football team and hosted the 2023 AFCON final. The modern venue was completed in 2020 and is owned by the Ivory Coast government.
