Borg El Arab Stadium - Egypt Stadium Guide

Initially commissioned in 2006 as part of Egypt’s bid to the host the 2010 World Cup, it is now used in rotation with other stadiums as the home venue of the Egyptian National Football Team. With a 86,000 capacity it is the largest stadium in the country, and second largest in Africa behind FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Designed and built by Egyptian Armed Forces Corps of Engineers (EAFCE) in what is surely a unique set of circumstances, the ground features an athletics track around the perimeter of the pitch so that it can be used as a multi-purpose sports arena. Like Camp Nou and other outdoor stadiums, only the main stand features protection from the Sun.

Whilst South Africa was eventually chosen as the hosts of the 2010 tournament, Egypt were elected as hosts of the 2009 Under 20s World Cup, and the competition was used to inaugurate the facilities.

Whilst Sepp Blatter and Jack Warner were reportedly impressed with the stadiums design, other Fifa delegates suggested that it bore more than a passing remembrance to Stade de France.

Sadly the Borg El Arab Stadium missed out on hosting matches of the 2006 African Cup of Nations as it was before its time, however should Egypt ever be elected as hosts in the future the country will be more than ready. This wouldn’t be until 2025 at the earliest however as the next four hosts have already been chosen.

The address for satnav is as follows:

• Qesm Al Amereyah, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

Parking

The stadium is equipped with enough space for 5,000 cars and over 200 coaches thanks to the adjacent car-parking facilities.