Know 6 stadiums of Africa Cup of Nations 2019

The electrifying, hair-raising and our all-time favorite tournament, Africa Cup of Nations is here again. It is being hosted by Egypt from 21st June to 19th July 2019. Around 24 nations will be competing to win the championship and prize money of US$ 4.5 million.

Initially, the tournament hosting was awarded to Cameroon, who are also the defending champions. However,  due to the delay in delivering the infrastructure deadlines by Cameroon, the host nation was changed to Egypt by Confederation of African Football (CAF). Egypt has zeroed in six stadiums that will host the matches. Let’s look at the beautiful cities and stadiums that will be hosting the exciting games.

Your comprehensive guide to the stadiums of Africa Cup of Nations 2019

Cairo:

The capital city of Egypt is home to many world-class stadiums. The matches will be hosted in Cairo International Stadium, 30 June Stadium, and Al Salam Stadium.

Cairo International Stadium:

This first Olympic-standard stadium of Cairo was built under the famous German architect, Werner March. It has a seating capacity of 75,000 and has hosted many prolific matches. It will be hosting 5 Group A matches, 2 Round 16 matches, 1 quarter-final, 1 semi-final, and the final matches during the tournament.

30 June Stadium:

Built by the Egyptian Air Defense Forces, this stadium also hosts the Egyptian Premier League. Inaugurated in 2012, this stadium has a capacity of 30,000 people. It will be hosting 1 Group A match, 5 Group C matches, 1 Group D match, 1 Round 16 match, 1 quarter-final, and 1 semi-final match.

Al-Salam Stadium:

This stadium is also known as Cairo Military Production Stadium and is a venue for Egyptian Premier League. It was built in 2009 and had a capacity of 30,000 people. It will be hosting 5 Group D matches, 1 Group B and Group C match, 1 Round 16 match, 1 quarter-final match, and the third-place play-off match.

While in this city for a match you can visit the following attractions:

• Pyramids of Giza
• The Egyptian Museum
• Al-Azhar Mosque
• Old Cairo
• Khan el-Khalili (Souq Quarter)

Alexandria

The second-largest city of Egypt is home to Alexandria Stadium. Used earlier in the Africa Cup of Nations, 2006, this stadium was built way back in 1929 making it the oldest stadium in Africa and Egypt. The stadium capacity is 20,000. It will be hosting 5 Group B matches and 2 Round 16 matches.

While in this city for a match you can visit the following attractions:

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Fort Qaitbey
• Roman Amphitheatre
• Montazah Palace Gardens
• Pompey’s Pillar

Suez

The port city of Egypt is home to Suez Stadium. Opened in 1990, this stadium has a capacity of 27,000 people. Suez Stadium will be hosting 5 Group E matches, 1 Group F match, and 1 Round 16 and one quarter-final match.

While in this city for a match you can visit the following attractions:

• Suez Canal House, Port Said
• Port Said Military Museum
• De Lesseps’s House

Ismailia

The city of Ismailia, also known as ‘The City of Beauty and Enchantment’ is home to the Ismailia Stadium. Remodeled in 2009, this stadium has a capacity of 18,000 people and has previously hosted matches in 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. The stadium will host 5 Group F matches and one Round 16 match.

While in this city for a match you can visit the following attractions:

• Ismailia Museum
• Garden of the Stelae