Top 30 Largest Stadiums in Africa

The largest stadiums in the world are impressive feats of engineering and design, capable of holding hundreds of thousands of spectators at once.

The second largest stadium by capacity is the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, with a seating capacity of 114,000 people.

Another massive stadium is the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, which can hold up to 100,024 people.

The AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, also boasts a large capacity of 80,000 seats, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States.

These massive stadiums have become symbols of their respective countries and cities and have hosted some of the most significant sporting events and concerts in history.

From soccer to American football, and from the Olympics to music concerts, these colossal stadiums have seen it all, making them a vital part of the global sporting and cultural landscape.

In this article we will focus on 30 largest stadiums by capacity in Africa.

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1. FNB Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 94,736

FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, is an iconic stadium located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The stadium was originally built in 1987 but underwent a major renovation in 2009 in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa. The renovation involved a complete rebuild of the stadium, expanding its seating capacity from 80,000 to 94,736, making it the largest stadium in Africa.

The stadium's unique design was inspired by traditional African pottery, with the exterior featuring a ring of bright red colors and geometric shapes, which symbolizes a calabash, a traditional African pot used for carrying water. The stadium's design and colors are also said to represent the unity and diversity of South Africa's rainbow nation.

The FNB Stadium has hosted several significant sporting events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, where Spain defeated the Netherlands, as well as the 2013 African Cup of Nations final, where Nigeria beat Burkina Faso. The stadium has also hosted numerous music concerts, with some of the world's biggest artists performing there, including U2, Coldplay, and the Black Eyed Peas.

2. Borg El Arab Stadium (Egypt) - Capacity 86,000

Borg El Arab Stadium is a large sports stadium located in Alexandria, Egypt. The stadium was officially opened in 2007 and has a seating capacity of 86,000, making it the largest stadium in Egypt and the second-largest in Africa.

The stadium's design is unique, with a horseshoe shape that allows for unobstructed views from every seat. The pitch is made of natural grass and has a state-of-the-art irrigation and drainage system. The stadium also features a running track that surrounds the pitch, making it suitable for hosting athletics events as well as football matches.

Borg El Arab Stadium has hosted several significant sporting events, including the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and several matches of the Egypt national football team. The stadium has also hosted music concerts, with some of the biggest artists in the world performing there, including Shakira and Chris Brown.

3. Stade des Martyrs (DRC) - Capacity 80,000

Stade des Martyrs, also known as Martyrs of Pentecost Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The stadium was originally built in 1994 and has undergone several renovations since then, expanding its seating capacity to 80,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in Africa.

The stadium has a unique design, featuring an open-air field surrounded by a running track, which can be used for athletics events. The pitch is made of natural grass and has hosted several football matches of the Congo national football team, as well as local football teams.

Stade des Martyrs has also hosted several significant sporting events, including the 2014 African Nations Championship, the 2016 African Nations Championship, and the 2019 African Nations Cup Qualifiers. The stadium has also been the venue for several music concerts and other large-scale events.

Stade des Martyrs has a special significance in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as it was named in honor of those who lost their lives in the country's fight for independence from Belgium. The stadium has become a symbol of the country's resilience and spirit and is an important cultural landmark in Kinshasa.

4. Cairo International Stadium (Egypt) - Capacity 74,100

The Cairo International Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in the Nasr City district of Cairo, Egypt. It is the largest stadium in Egypt and the fourth-largest stadium in Africa, with a seating capacity of 74,000 spectators.

The stadium was built in 1960 and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in 2005 in preparation for the African Cup of Nations. It is considered one of the most important sporting venues in Egypt and has hosted many international and national sporting events, including football matches, athletics competitions, and concerts.

5. Stade Ibn Batouta (Morocco) - Capacity 65,000

Stade Ibn Batouta is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in the city of Tangier, Morocco. The stadium is named after Ibn Battuta, a famous Moroccan traveler and explorer who is widely known for his extensive travels throughout the Islamic world and beyond in the 14th century.

The stadium was built in 2011 and renovated in 2020 to increase its seating capacity from 45,000 to 65,000 spectators. It is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Moroccan football club Ittihad Riadi Tanger. The stadium has also hosted several international football matches, including games for the African Nations Championship in 2018 and FIFA Club World cup 2022.

6. Tripoli International Stadium (Libya) - Capacity 65,000

Tripoli International Stadium is a sports stadium located in Tripoli, the capital city of Libya. It is one of the largest stadiums in Africa and has a seating capacity of approximately 65,000 spectators.

The stadium was built in 1970 and was originally named the 11th of June Stadium, after the date of the coup d'état that brought Muammar Gaddafi to power. Following Gaddafi's overthrow in 2011, the stadium was renamed Tripoli International Stadium and underwent extensive renovations.

7. Mogadishu Stadium (Somalia) - Capacity 65,000

Mogadishu Stadium, also known as Konis Stadium, is a sports stadium located in the capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu. It was built in 1978 and has a seating capacity of approximately 65,000 spectators.

The stadium was once a hub of Somali sports and cultural events, hosting football matches, athletics competitions, and concerts. It was the home stadium of several local football clubs, including the popular Somali football club, the Horseed FC.

8. Stade 5 Juillet (Algeria) - Capacity 64,000

Stade 5 Juillet, also known as the July 5 Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. It was built in 1972 and has a seating capacity of approximately 64,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Africa.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Algerian national football team, as well as several local football clubs. It has also hosted several international football matches, including games for the African Cup of Nations.

9. Ellis Park Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 62,567

Ellis Park Stadium is a sports stadium located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was built in 1928 and has a seating capacity of approximately 62,500 spectators. The stadium is one of the most iconic and historic sports venues in South Africa.

The stadium is primarily used for rugby union matches and is the home stadium of the Golden Lions, a local rugby union team. It has also hosted several international rugby matches, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand. The match, which saw South Africa win their first Rugby World Cup, is considered one of the most significant moments in South African sports history.

The stadium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its status as a world-class sports venue. In 2010, it underwent a major renovation in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, which included the installation of a new seating area, upgraded facilities, and a new scoreboard.

10. Abuja Stadium (Nigeria) - Capacity 60,491

Abuja Stadium, also known as the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. It was built in 2003 and has a seating capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Nigerian national football team, as well as several local football clubs. It has also hosted several international football matches, including games for the African Cup of Nations.

11. Stade Leopold Senghor (Senegal) - Capacity 60,000

Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. It was built in 1985 and has a seating capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of several local football clubs, including ASC Diaraf and Dakar Université Club. It has also hosted several international football matches, including games for the African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

12. Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi (Tunisia) - Capacity 60,000

Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Radès, Tunisia. It was built in 2001 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Africa.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Tunisian national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics, rugby, and boxing. In addition to sporting events, the stadium has hosted numerous concerts and cultural events.

Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi has been the site of many memorable moments in Tunisian football history, including the 2004 African Cup of Nations final, where Tunisia defeated Morocco 2-1 to win the tournament for the first time in their history.

13. Moi International Sports Centre (Kenya) - Capacity 60,000

Moi International Sports Centre, also known as Kasarani Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Nairobi, Kenya. It was built in 1987 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the country.

The stadium is named after the former President of Kenya, Daniel arap Moi, who commissioned its construction. It is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Kenya national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics, rugby, and boxing.

14. National Sports Stadium (Zimbabwe) - Capacity 60,000

The National Sports Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Harare, Zimbabwe. It was built in 1987 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Zimbabwe.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Zimbabwe national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics, rugby, and cricket. The stadium features a running track around the football pitch, which is also used for athletics events.

15. Stade National de la Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - Capacity 60,000

Stade National de la Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. It was built in 1952 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Côte d'Ivoire national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics, boxing, and wrestling. The stadium has hosted several international events, including the 1984 African Cup of Nations, which was won by Côte d'Ivoire.

16. Stade Municipal de Kintélé (Congo) - Capacity 60,000

Stade Municipal de Kintélé, also known as Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Kintélé, a suburb of Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of Congo. The stadium was built in 2015 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Congo national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics and rugby. The stadium has hosted several international events, including the 2015 All-Africa Games, which were held in Brazzaville.

17. Bahir Dar Stadium (Ethiopia) - Capacity 60,000

Bahir Dar Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Bahir Dar, a city in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The stadium was built in 2016 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Bahir Dar City FC, which plays in the Ethiopian Premier League. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics, boxing, and wrestling. The stadium has hosted several international events, including the 2018 African Nations Championship, which was held in Ethiopia.

18. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Tanzania) - Capacity 60,000

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. The stadium was named in honor of the late Benjamin Mkapa, the third President of Tanzania, who passed away in 2020. The stadium was completed in 2021 and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Young Africans SC, one of the most popular football clubs in Tanzania. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics and boxing. The stadium has hosted several international events, including the 2021 Tanzania Sports Festival.

19. Paul Biya Stadium (Cameroon) - Capacity 60,000

Paul Biya Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. The stadium is named after the current President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, and was opened in 1976. It has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators and is one of the largest stadiums in Cameroon.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Cameroonian national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics and boxing. The stadium has hosted several international events, including the African Cup of Nations in 1972, 1984, and 2000.

20. Heroes National Stadium (Zambia) - Capacity 60,000

Heroes National Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. It is one of the largest stadiums in the country and has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators. The stadium was opened in 2014 and is named after the Zambian heroes who fought for the country's independence.

The stadium is primarily used for football matches and is the home stadium of the Zambian national football team. It has also been used for other sporting events such as athletics and rugby. The stadium has hosted several international events, including the 2017 African Youth Championships.

21. Mmabatho Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 59,000

Mmabatho Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Mafikeng, in the North West Province of South Africa. The stadium was built in 1981 and has a seating capacity of approximately 59,000 spectators.

The stadium has been the site of many important sporting events, including the 1996 African Cup of Nations, where it hosted several matches. It has also been used for rugby union matches, including Super Rugby and international matches, as well as football matches at the domestic and international levels.

The stadium underwent a major renovation in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa. The renovation included the installation of a new playing surface, upgraded seating, and improved facilities for players and spectators.

22. Cape Town Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 58,300

Cape Town Stadium is a modern multi-purpose stadium located in Cape Town, South Africa. The stadium was built in 2009 and has a seating capacity of approximately 58,300 spectators.

The stadium is located in the Green Point neighborhood and was built on the site of the former Green Point Stadium. It was constructed as part of South Africa's preparations to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and served as one of the venues for the tournament, hosting several group stage matches, a Round of 16 match, and a quarterfinal match.

23. May 19 Stadium (Algeria) - Capacity 56,000

Stade du 19-mai-1956, also known as the 19 May Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Annaba, in northeastern Algeria. The stadium was named after the date of the start of the Algerian War of Independence against French colonial rule.

The stadium was built in 1938 and underwent a major renovation in 2013, which increased its seating capacity to approximately 56,000 spectators. The stadium is primarily used for football matches, both domestic and international, and has also been used for athletics competitions.

Stade du 19-mai-1956 is the home stadium of USM Annaba, a professional football club that plays in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 2. The stadium has also hosted several important matches for the Algerian national football team, including World Cup qualifiers and African Cup of Nations matches.

24. Moses Mabhida Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 56,000

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Durban, South Africa. The stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has a seating capacity of approximately 56,000 spectators.

The stadium is named after Moses Mabhida, a former leader of the South African Communist Party and anti-apartheid activist. It is located in the Kings Park Sporting Precinct and features a unique design, with a distinctive arch that spans the length of the stadium.

25. Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Morocco) - Capacity 53,000

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. The stadium was built in 1983 and has a seating capacity of approximately 52,000 spectators.

The stadium is named after Prince Moulay Abdellah, the brother of Morocco's former King Hassan II. It is primarily used for football matches, both domestic and international, and is the home stadium of the Moroccan national football team. The stadium has also hosted several important football events, including the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup.

26. Kings Park Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 52,000

Kings Park Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Durban, South Africa. The stadium was originally built in 1891 and underwent several renovations and upgrades throughout its history. It had a seating capacity of approximately 52,000 spectators at its peak.

The stadium is primarily used for rugby union matches, with the Sharks rugby team being the primary tenant. It also hosted several other sports events, including football matches, cricket matches, and athletics competitions.

27. Loftus Versfeld Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 51,762

Loftus Versfeld Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Pretoria, South Africa. The stadium was built in 1906 and has a seating capacity of approximately 51,762 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for rugby union matches, with the Blue Bulls rugby team being the primary tenant. It has also hosted several other sports events, including football matches, cricket matches, and athletics competitions. The stadium has hosted several international rugby union events, including matches during the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 Tri Nations Series.

28. Newlands Stadium (South Africa) - Capacity 51,100

Newlands Stadium is a rugby union stadium located in the suburb of Newlands in Cape Town, South Africa. The stadium was built in 1888 and has a seating capacity of approximately 51,100 spectators.

The stadium is primarily used for rugby union matches, with the Western Province rugby team and the Stormers Super Rugby franchise being the primary tenants.

The stadium is named after the suburb of Newlands, where it is located. It has undergone several renovations and upgrades throughout its history, including a major renovation in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

29. Diamniadio Olympic Stadium (Senegal) - Capacity 50,000

The Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, also known as the Dakar Arena, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Diamniadio, a new city built about 30 kilometers east of Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. The stadium was built to host the 2022 Youth Olympic Games and has a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators.

The stadium is a modern and eco-friendly facility that meets international standards for sports events. It features a distinctive design with a wave-shaped roof that covers the stands and provides shade for spectators. The stadium has a 400-meter athletics track and a football pitch that meets FIFA standards.

30. Stade 26 mars (Mali) - Capacity 50,000

Stade 26 Mars is a multi-purpose stadium located in Bamako, the capital city of Mali, in West Africa. The stadium has a seating capacity of 50,000 and is the largest stadium in the country.

The stadium was built in 2001 with funding from the government of China, and it was named after the date of Mali's independence from France, which is March 26, 1960. The stadium is primarily used for football (soccer) matches, and it is the home stadium of the Malian national football team.