Saudi Arabia has officially secured the rights to host the FIFA 2034 World Cup, a monumental achievement in global sports. This milestone highlights the Kingdom’s 2030 strategic vision, emphasizing infrastructure, sports, and tourism advancements.
The Saudi bid, under the slogan “Growing Together,” achieved FIFA’s highest-ever rating. The Kingdom plans to host matches across 15 world-class stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al-Khobar, and NEOM. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and sustainability-focused initiatives, the bid showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence.
Transforming Saudi Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia has rapidly modernized its infrastructure to meet World Cup demands. Iconic venues like King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh and King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah are undergoing major upgrades. The futuristic NEOM city will feature innovative, eco-friendly stadium designs. High-speed trains will seamlessly connect the five host cities, ensuring smooth travel for fans and teams.
The Kingdom is investing heavily in tourism and hospitality to accommodate millions of visitors. Riyadh and Jeddah are leading efforts to boost luxury accommodations, while NEOM will introduce cutting-edge lodging options. Fans will enjoy a mix of Saudi culture, entertainment, and world-class hospitality.
The FIFA 2034 World Cup aligns with Vision 2030, positioning sports as a key pillar of economic and global growth. This event solidifies Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for international sporting events. It also reflects the Kingdom’s ability to blend tradition with modernity, creating a unique global showcase.
Saudi Host Cities and Stadiums
Saudi Arabia has unveiled a grand plan to host the 2034 World Cup at 15 stadiums across five cities, including eight in the capital, Riyadh.
The five cities set to host the tournament are: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM, the futuristic new city.
Eleven of the 15 stadiums will be newly constructed – including the proposed 92,000-seated King Salman Stadium.
Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) president Yasser Al Misehal promised host cities would be connected by “state-of-the-art facilities to guarantee an amazing fan experience”.
The bid promised plans to expand airports, introduce high-speed rail links and enhance public transport.
However, the vast distances between stadiums means fans who want to move between host cities are likely to have to rely on air travel.
To host the 48-team World Cup, the kingdom needs 14 all-seater stadiums capable of holding at least 40,000 people. It currently has two: Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium, which is undergoing a major refit.
By the time 2034 arrives, Saudi Arabia is likely to be home to some of the world’s leading stadia.
Riyadh
King Salman Stadium (capacity: 92,000)
Plans for the new megalithic King Salman Stadium in Riyadh were unveiled in November complete with a promotional video made with computer-generated imagery to offer a first look at the stadium which is scheduled to be completed in 2029.
The stadium will host the opening match and the final of the 2034 World Cup, and will serve as the main base of the Saudi Arabia national team. It will be part of a sports complex featuring an indoor sports hall, an Olympic-sized pool and other facilities.
Architects Populous say the inspiration for the unique design comes from the Saudi landscape, and represents a seed cracking the earth.
The main stadium will have a gross seating capacity of more than 92,000, with amenities including a royal box, hospitality skyboxes and lounges, 300 VVIP seats, and 2,200 VIP seats. The venue will feature internal screens, gardens and a walking path on its roof with panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium (capacity: 70,200)
The stadium, the second largest to be used at the 2034 World Cup, originally seated 58,398 spectators but is currently undergoing reconstruction that will expand its capacity to approximately 70,200 seats by 2026, ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup, also taking place in Saudi.
Most notably, it features a circular tent-line roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin tent, ideal for keeping fans cool.
South Riyadh Stadium (capacity: 47,060)
The new venue draws from local Salmani architecture which dominates the capital where it blends modern planning with the country’s past.
It will become the home of an as yet unnamed Saudi Pro League side after the 2034 World Cup.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium (capacity: 46,979)
The stadium will offer arguably some of the most spectacular views the country has to offer. Located off the side of a cliff on the edge of the Qiddiya City’s Tuwaiq Mountains, the back of one goal will be a window out to the mountains and city.
Slated to host group, round-of-32, last-16 and the third-place play-off, it features a fully retractable roof, LED wall and climate control, construction on the new stadium is set to start in 2026 and set to open in 2029, becoming the new home of Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium (capacity: 46,865)
Another stadium in the capital undergoing a revamp to meet Fifa requirements for hosting the World Cup.
The historic venue was opened in 1971 but only holds 22,500. Redesign plans include doing away with the athletic track around the pitch and organisers hope renovation will be completed in time to host 2027 Asian Cup matches.
King Saud University Stadium (capacity: 46,319)
Better known as Al Awwal Park, Cristiano Ronaldo has called this place home since joining Al Nassr in 2023 in a move that shocked the world and put Saudi Arabian club football on the map.
Built only in 2011, the stadium has already had several upgrades and will have an increased capacity – it currently holds 25,000 – in time for the World Cup in 12 years’ time.
New Murabba Stadium (capacity: 46,010)
Taking its inspiration from nature, the stadium’s ridged roof will resemble the native Acacia tree. Located in downtown Riyadh, the new venue is set to begin construction in 2027 before opening in 2032. Will stage group games and round-of-32 fixtures.
Roshn Stadium (capacity: 46,000)
The unique crystalline structure will make for the perfect backdrop for selfie fans. Roshn’s head of commercial, Iain McBride, said: “It’s quite an ambitious design that mirrors the ambition of the country.”
Though still without a contractor, construction is planned to begin in 2028, and the stadium is scheduled to open in 2032 – two years ahead of the World Cup – and will host group games and round-of-32 matches.
Jeddah
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (capacity: 62,345)
Better known as The Jewell, the stadium is the home of Pro League sides Al Ahli and Al Ittihad and was officially opened in May 2014, hosting the King’s Cup final between the Red Sea coast’s two fiercest rivals.
Has already undergone several renovations and proven itself capable of hosting big international matches. King Abdullah Sports City was the venue as Manchester City completed a record-breaking 2023 by lifting the Fifa Club World Cup, beating Brazil’s Fluminense in the final.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium (capacity: 46,096)
The new stadium will run parallel to the Red Sea and will take its inspiration from the Mexican wave, with a rippling, undulating effect.
The project is scheduled to be finished in 2032. Unlike other Saudi stadiums, the venue will not host football matches after the World Cup and instead will be turned into an entertainment complex.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium (capacity: 45,794)
Inspired by the Unesco world heritage site Al Balad, the historic town characterised by its wooden Roshan windows and balconies, the new stadium is already under construction in Saudi’s second largest city.
As well as the stadium, the reported £15 billion project will feature an opera house, oceanarium, coral farm and a museum. It is expected to be opened in 2030.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium (capacity: 45,700)
Set to break ground in 2027, the coral reef-styled exterior will illuminate the Jeddah sky each evening. Expected to be completed by 2032, just before being handed over. One of the city’s Pro League teams will take over the venue after the World Cup.
Al Khobar
Aramco Stadium (capacity: 47,000)
Another Populous-designed venue to take its inspiration from nature, with a wave-like roof, referencing its position on the Arabian Gulf.
Construction began on the project this year and will finish in 2026, ahead of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2027 Asian Cup.
Named after the state-owned petroleum company, the stadium can increase capacity to 55,000 for other events such as concerts.
It will become the home of Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
Abha
King Khalid University Stadium (capacity: 45,428)
The only stadium in Abha will be another rebuild, increasing current capacity from 12,000 to over 45,000.
Currently the home of second tier sides Al Watani and Neom Sports Club.
NEOM
NEOM Stadium (capacity: 46,010)
The stadium in NEOM, the futuristic city in the north-west, will be accessible via high-speed lifts and driverless vehicles.
The stadiums will showcase designs inspired by Saudi culture and nature. The King Salman Stadium in Riyadh will feature a roof with panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park. Other venues, like the cliffside Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, promise breathtaking experiences.
While the Kingdom plans high-speed rail connections, some distances between cities may necessitate air travel. FIFA is open to hosting another winter World Cup, similar to Qatar 2022, for optimal weather conditions.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Sporting Ambitions
Saudi Arabia will automatically qualify for the World Cup as the second Middle Eastern nation to host the tournament. The Kingdom aims to offer an unparalleled experience, blending innovation, culture, and hospitality on the global stage. Extensive plans are underway as Saudi Arabia prepares to redefine expectations for the FIFA 2034 World Cup. The Kingdom seeks to leave a lasting legacy through this monumental event.
