At a Glance:
- Africa’s top stadiums showcase national pride, tourism, and global sports ambitions with world-class
- Mega-venues boost local economies, global visibility with football tournaments, political rallies, and major concerts.
- Recent renovations enhance safety, modernize facilities, and boost Africa’s global sports tourism positioning.
As Africa continues to elevate its position on the global sports and entertainment stage, one metric captures both national pride and economic ambition: stadium capacity.
From hosting FIFA World Cup matches to pan-African tournaments and large-scale concerts, Africa’s mega stadiums are not only engineering marvels but also serve as barometers for urban investment, tourism potential, and international visibility.
Here is a detailed look at the top five largest stadiums in Africa by seating capacity, illustrating the magnitude of sports culture on the continent.
FNB Stadium (Soccer City) – Johannesburg, South Africa
Seating Capacity: 94,736
Opened: 1989 (Renovated for 2010 FIFA World Cup)
Primary Use: Football, Rugby, Concerts
Known globally for hosting the opening and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the FNB Stadium or “Soccer City” is Africa’s undisputed crown jewel in sports infrastructure.
Designed to resemble an African calabash, this architectural landmark remains a go-to venue for major continental and international events.
It’s also a key economic asset for Gauteng Province, drawing millions annually in tourism, sponsorship, and broadcasting deals.
Borg El Arab Stadium – Alexandria, Egypt
Seating Capacity: 86,000
Opened: 2007
Primary Use: Football
Built to FIFA standards, the Borg El Arab Stadium remains the largest stadium in Egypt and second on the African continent.
Initially intended to support Egypt’s World Cup bid, the stadium has since hosted Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers, and club derbies.
It symbolizes Egypt’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for Middle East and North African (MENA) sports diplomacy.
Stade des Martyrs – Kinshasa, DR Congo
Seating Capacity: 80,000
Opened: 1994
Primary Use: Football, Athletics, Political Rallies
A symbol of resilience and post-independence ambition, Stade des Martyrs stands as the largest stadium in Central Africa.
With a capacity of 80,000, it frequently fills up for Congolese national matches and key domestic league derbies.
Beyond sports, the venue is also an epicenter for large political events and national celebrations, often doubling as a tool for state mobilization and regional identity.
Cairo International Stadium – Cairo, Egypt
Seating Capacity: 75,000
Opened: 1960 (Renovated 2005 and 2019)
Primary Use: Football, Athletics
One of Africa’s most iconic stadiums, Cairo International Stadium blends legacy and modernity.
As a frequent venue for CAF Champions League finals and Egyptian Premier League showdowns, it plays host to some of the fiercest football rivalries in Africa.
Renovated ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the stadium is integral to Egypt’s multi-billion-dollar sports tourism strategy.
Stade 5 Juillet 1962 – Algiers, Algeria
Seating Capacity: 64,000 (formerly over 80,000)
Opened: 1972
Primary Use: Football, Athletics
Once the largest on the continent, Stade 5 Juillet 1962 underwent renovations that reduced its capacity for safety and modernization purposes.
Still, its historical significance remains unmatched, named after the date of Algeria’s independence.
The stadium hosts major domestic league matches and key continental clashes, reflecting Algeria’s footballing heritage and infrastructural evolution.
