We know that soccer is not only a sport, but also a real tourist attraction in certain destinations. So if that’s one of your passions, Mandala Tours can take you to see some of the most legendary stadiums on the planet, often with contemporary architecture that delights even the less football-minded. Here are the best soccer stadiums in the Muslim world, located in the main destinations where our agencies operate.
Istanbul, overflowing passion
Every soccer lover knows that in the stadiums of Istanbul, passion overflows the stands and the grass and reaches the whole city in general. Three historic teams play here, all of which play their matches in European competitions. On the one hand, Galatasaray, whose home ground is the Turktelekom, although it has always been known as the Ali Sami Yen, with some 53,000 spectators.
Besiktas, on the other hand, plays at the Inonu stadium, with a smaller capacity (about 32,000 spectators) but located in a very picturesque place: facing the Bosphorus Strait and next to the Dolmabahce Palace. Finally, we cannot forget Fenerbahçe, which plays in the stadium of the same name, with a capacity of about 52,000 spectators. It is located in the Kadiköy District and, therefore, the only one located in the Asian part of Istanbul.
But perhaps the most imposing and universal is the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, which is the only one to have hosted a Champions League final. Specifically, twice. The first, in 2005, in which Liverpool were crowned, in a mythical comeback against AC Milan. And the second, in 2023, when Manchester City beat Inter Milan.
Morocco, a World Cup country
Morocco is another country where soccer is lived intensely. It was also designated to host the 2030 Men’s World Cup, along with Portugal and Spain. Although at the time of writing (April 2024) it was not yet known which city would host the final, it is clear that Moroccan stadiums will play an important role, especially the new Grand Stade de Casablanca, one of the largest in the world.
Other stadiums include the Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, which will host the 2023 Club World Cup, the Grand Stadium in Tangier, a regular venue for matches of the local national team and even the Spanish Super Cup in 2018, and the Grand Stadium in Marrakech, with an architecture inspired by British stadiums.
United Arab Emirates Stadiums
In the United Arab Emirates, soccer has become a mass phenomenon and the country is home to some of the world’s biggest stars. In addition, thanks to recent agreements, important matches of international competitions, such as the Club World Cup, are played here. This is why stadiums such as the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi are of interest. In addition, in Dubai’ s stadiums it is also possible to witness matches with great players and coaches, highlighting the Al-Rashid and Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum stadiums.
We can take you to all these stadiums on our tailor-made package tours, either for a tour of their facilities or even to watch a game, if your travel dates are suitable for it. But Mandala Tours agencies are known for organizing tailor-made trips, so we can also adapt to other more specific requests, for example to visit stadiums or attend matches in cities as different as Granada, Tel Aviv, Cairo … and any other.
If your passion is soccer and you would like to attend a match in a Muslim country or any other of our catalog, do not hesitate to contact us and make your request. The experience will be worth it!
