Saudi Arabia has unveiled the details of its ambitious plans for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
According to the bid book, 5 Saudi cities will host the big sporting event: Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al Khobar, and NEOM housing 15 stadiums. The Kingdom will embark on a grand project to build 11 new stadiums, in addition to refurbishing 4 existing ones.
King Salman International Stadium
Located in the capital city of Riyadh, the King Salman International Stadium will be an architectural marvel and one of the largest stadiums in the world. The stadium’s planned capacity will exceed 92,000 seats, the highest of all other stadiums.
Furthermore, the stadium’s design is inspired by its surrounding topography, featuring mountains and green valleys that will blend with the stadium.
According to the bid book, King Salman International Stadium will host the opening and final matches of the 2034 World Cup. After that, it will be Saudi Arabia’s official national stadium. Construction work is set to be completed by 2029.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium
It will be located near the cliffs of Tuwaiq, in Riyadh. The stadium, named after the Saudi Crown Prince, will have a capacity of 47,000 seats.
It will be part of Qiddiya entertainment district and will include an Olympic Museum. Construction completion date is in 2029.
NEOM Stadium
The stadium will be located at the heart of The Line skyscrapers in NEOM city. According to the bid book, NEOM Stadium will be built 350 meters above the ground and will be “the most unique stadium in the world.”
The capacity of NEOM Stadium will be 46,010 seats. Construction will be completed by 2032.
Aramco Stadium
Located in Al Khobar city, the splendid Aramco Stadium will feature more than 46,000 seats. The bid book states that the stadium will be also used for the AFC Asian Cup that Saudi Arabia will host in 2027.
The Aramco stadium’s design is inspired by water whirlpools formed off the Arabian Gulf coast. The stadium is under construction and will be ready to operate in 2026.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium
With a capacity of 45,794 seats, the stadium will be surrounded by 4 villages designed for “fun, leisure, retail, educational/medical” purposes, according to the bid book. The design will echo the traditional architecture of Jeddah’s Historic District (Al Balad).
After the 2034 World Cup, the Jeddah Central Development Stadium will also be the official stadium of two professional football clubs. Construction work will be completed by 2027.
King Khalid University Stadium
It is an existing stadium in the city of Abha in Aseer Region. The stadium will be refurbished to temporarily expand its capacity to 45,428 seats during the World Cup. The plan is supposed to be completed by 2032.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium
It will be located in Jeddah, with a capacity of 45,700 seats. The stadium will be surrounded by 3 hotels, mixed-use areas, in addition to a sports clinic. The drum-shaped stadium will be completed by 2032.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium
It is an existing stadium in Riyadh. Currently, it is the official stadium of Saudi Arabia’s national football team.
The stadium will undergo a renovation process to expand its capacity to 70,200 seats. It will be also used for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Refurbishing the stadium will be completed by 2026.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
It is an existing stadium in Jeddah, with a capacity exceeding 58,000 seats. The stadium will undergo a refurbishment and be equipped with the “latest technology and stadium standards” in order to comply with FIFA regulations.
King Saud University Stadium
It is an existing stadium in Riyadh. A renovation process will increase its capacity from 27,000 seats to more than 46,000 seats. The completion date is set in 2032. After 2034 World Cup, King Saud University Stadium will be used for collegiate sports events.
New Murabba Stadium
It will be located in Riyadh, with a seating capacity of 46,000. The stadium will have a unique design that will resemble the layers and texture of the bark of the native acacia tree, the bid book states.
The stadium will be part of the Murabba downtown development, in northwest Riyadh. Construction will be completed by 2032.
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium
Located in Riyadh, the stadium is currently under construction. It will host more than 46,000 seats. The bid book notes that the stadium will be part of a bigger project that involves a blend of community sports facilities and open, mixed-use green spaces.
Moreover, the stadium construction will utilize locally produced materials and energy-efficient systems, including solar panels. Completion date is set in 2027.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium
The stadium will be distinguished by its exceptional location and colorful design. According to the bid book, the stadium’s design will mimic the ripple effect of a Mexican wave.
It will be constructed on the Red Sea shore in Jeddah city. The Qiddiya Coast Stadium will have a capacity of 46,000 seats and construction work will end in 2032.
ROSHN Stadium
The extraordinary ROSHN Stadium will be located in southwest Riyadh, with a capacity of 46,000 seats. The iconic stadium will have a unique crystalline structure that will make it glow during the night. Construction completion date is set in 2032.
South Riyadh Stadium
The South Riyadh Stadium will have 47,060 seats. It will be located in southwest Riyadh and will utilize solar panels, according to the bid book. Construction will be completed by 2032.
