Top 10 Best Stadiums in Africa in 2026

The football landscape in Africa has undergone a massive transformation over the last two decades.

From the high-tech arenas built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to the burgeoning ‘Stadium Diplomacy’ projects in North and West Africa, the continent now boasts world-class facilities that rival European giants.

In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya ranks the top 10 best stadiums in Africa in 2026. This article excludes all the stadiums that are currently being constructed, including the Talanta Sports City.

Commonly known as "The Calabash" for its resemblance to a traditional African pot, the FNB Stadium is the undisputed crown jewel of African sports.

Located in Johannesburg, the stadium has a capacity of 94,736. It gained global fame as the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final and remains the largest stadium on the continent.

Beyond its size, its historical weight is unparalleled. It was the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech after his release from prison in 1990.

Architecturally, the stadium’s mosaic of earthy-toned tiles represents a fire burning under the pot, and at night, the ring of lights makes it glow across the Johannesburg skyline.

The proximity of the seats to the pitch, despite its massive scale, creates an intimidating wall of sound for visiting teams.

A newcomer to the list, Misr Stadium is the centrepiece of Egypt’s International Olympic City. Completed in late 2023, it is the second-largest stadium in Africa and serves as a bold statement of Egypt’s ambition to host a future FIFA World Cup or Olympic Games.

The stadium is located at the New Administrative Capital, Cairo and can host up to 93,940 people. The design is ultra-modern, featuring an Olympic-standard athletics track and a roof structure inspired by the headdress of Queen Nefertiti.

It offers luxury hospitality suites and media facilities that represent the pinnacle of current stadium technology.

Situated near the Mediterranean coast, in Alexandria, Borg El-Arab was originally built as part of Egypt’s 2010 World Cup bid.

It remains one of the largest stadiums in the world by land area, having a capacity of 86,000. While it features a running track, often a deterrent for football purists, the sheer scale and the passionate Egyptian fans ensure the atmosphere is nothing short of gladiatorial during big matches.

The ‘Martyrs' Stadium’ is the beating heart of Central African football, located in Kinshasa with a capacity of 80,000.

Known for hosting the DR Congo national team and local giants AS Vita Club, the stadium is famous for its ‘cauldron’ effect.

When 80,000 Congolese fans start drumming and singing, the vibrations can be felt in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The Cairo International Stadium is arguably the most historic venue in Africa, with a capacity of 75,000. It has hosted multiple AFCON finals and is the legendary home of Al Ahly and Zamalek.

Before its renovation to an all-seater venue, it famously held over 120,000 fans. It remains the most feared destination for any African club or national team visiting North Africa.

Named after the legendary Moroccan explorer, this stadium has been radically transformed for the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Following recent expansions, it has removed its athletics track in favour of a "football-only" rectangular design, bringing fans closer to the action.

Its location in Tangier makes it a gateway between Africa and Europe. The stadium has a capacity of 75,000.

Widely regarded as the most beautiful stadium in Africa, Moses Mabhida is famous for its iconic ‘Y-shaped’ arch that spans 350 meters.

The arch represents the unity of the nation and features a ‘SkyCar’ that takes visitors to a platform at the top for panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

It is a masterpiece of modern engineering and aesthetics. The stadium has a capacity of 55,500 (expandable to 70,000) and is located in Durban.

Often called ‘Arc de Triomphe’ by locals, it is a multi-purpose venue that has elevated the Ivory Coast’s sporting infrastructure to an elite level. It has a capacity of 60,000 and is located in Abidjan.

Inaugurated in 2022, this stadium is the home of the ‘Lions of Teranga.’ Built in just 18 months, it is a "football-only" stadium without a running track, ensuring an intense, intimate atmosphere.

It will serve as the centrepiece for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, the first Olympic event ever held on African soil. The stadium has a capacity of 50,000 and is located in Diamniadio.

Affectionately known as the Nest of Champions, this stadium proves that bigger is not always better. Modelled after Munich’s Allianz Arena, it features a shimmering white facade that glows at night.

It is widely considered the best-maintained stadium in West Africa and serves as the preferred home for the Nigerian Super Eagles due to its world-class natural grass turf. The stadium is located in Uyo and has a capacity of 30,000.