Saudi Arabia will be hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The nation intends to renovate four of its current stadiums and construct eleven new ones for the huge event. Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the as-yet-unconstructed Neom, a 170-kilometer linear city planned for the Red Sea coast, are among the suggested host cities. The plan also calls for 134 training locations nationwide, including 73 recently constructed facilities.
Stadiums in Riyadh:
King Salman International Stadium
With a capacity of 92,000, King Salman International Stadium is expected to be the largest stadium in Saudi Arabia. Populous has won the competition to design it. Its architecture is tailored to the temperature and geography of the area, offering natural ventilation and shade. The stadium, which is close to Riyadh, is scheduled to open in 2029 and serve as the national stadium of Saudi Arabia. It will host both the World Cup Final and the opening throughout the tournament.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium
The Saudi national football team plays in the stadium, which has a distinctive tensile ceiling structure modeled like traditional tens. The current stadium is undergoing major renovations under the direction of Schiattarella Associati. It was originally intended to hold 58,000 spectators and was designed by Ian Fraser, John Roberts, Michael K.C. Cheah, and Partners. It is anticipated that the stadium in Riyadh would reopen in 2026 with a capacity of 70,200 seats.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium
The new 46,979-seat Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will have a three-sided layout that provides views of the Tuwaiq cliffs. It is intended to provide guests an immersive experience by utilizing metallic finishes and iridescent and LED glass screens. It will serve as the focal point of Qiddiya City, a major sports complex southwest of Riyadh. It will house an Olympic Museum and be a multipurpose facility for esports, music, and sports after the 2034 World Cup. It is anticipated that the construction will be finished in 2029.
New Murabba Stadium
The architecture of the New Murabba Stadium, which can accommodate approximately 46,010 people, was influenced by the bark of local acacia trees. The next location, which will be located northwest Riyadh, is scheduled to open in 2032. It will be modified for outdoor dining, gambling, and entertainment following the World Cup.
ROSHN Stadium
The ROSHN Stadium will be a brand-new venue with space for up to 46,000 fans. It has a crystal-like structure that illuminates at night, a parabolic geometry for audio amplification, and a saddle-shaped sitting bowl for ventilation and shade. The building of the new arena, which will be in south-west Riyadh, is scheduled to start in 2028 and open to the public in 2032.
Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium
The new location will have energy-efficient technologies and locally produced materials, drawing inspiration from Salmani architecture. It will be a part of a bigger park master plan and have 46,865 seats. It will be near bus and metro lines that connect it to the rest of Riyadh. Construction on the stadium is now underway, with completion anticipated in 2027.
South Riyadh Stadium
Numerous techniques are included into the stadium's architecture to accommodate the local climate and surroundings. After the 2034 World Cup, this southwest Riyadh location will link to the Green Riyadh Project and be a significant sports and community event facility. Construction on the new location is expected to start in 2029, and it will be accessible to the public in 2032.
King Saud University Stadium
The stadium, which has 25,000 seats, is one of two existing facilities that will temporarily increase their capacity to accommodate 46,000 spectators during the World Cup. Following the event, it will once again serve university teams and community activities, with space for 33,000 spectators. The renovation project is scheduled to begin in 2030 and conclude in 2032. Michael KC Cheah and Steph designed the stadium, which is being built by Hashem Contracting Company.
Stadiums in Jeddah:
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
With more over 57,000 seats, the current King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah is a prominent football event site with unique geometric architecture. The stadium will be updated to FIFA standards and incorporate new technologies as part of planned renovations by 2032. With the help of numerous sports and community facilities, it will continue to host international competitions and the Saudi national team.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium
With more than 46,000 seats, this dynamic, multipurpose facility on Jeddah's Red Sea will be used for events beyond the 2034 World Cup. Construction on the new facility, which can accommodate conferences, concerts, esports, and sports, is scheduled to begin in 2029 and be finished by 2032.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium
The stadium, which has more than 45,000 seats, blends contemporary technology with historic Al Balad architectural aspects. It has three levels, a 360° LED screen, a retractable inner roof, and a semi-translucent roof. Situated in the Al Andalus neighborhood of Jeddah, it will be encircled by four interconnected communities with a variety of facilities. Following the World Cup in 2034, it will hold conferences, concerts, and professional football games. The stadium's design was contracted out to gmp Architekten and Khatib & Alami in 2022, and building is now underway with a completion date of 2027.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium
The stadium, which can accommodate over 45,000 people, will have an organic architecture influenced by coral reefs in the Red Sea. based on the formal bid text. With hotels, mixed-use areas, and a sports clinic, it will function as a multipurpose center. The stadium will hold football games, concerts, and exhibitions following the 2034 World Cup, while the precinct will provide residents with large green spaces and communal amenities.
Stadium in Al Khobar
Aramco Stadium:
The new arena, which is now under development, can accommodate up to 46,000 spectators. The stadium is near the Corniche, north of Al Khobar, and construction is expected to be completed in 2026. The US-based architecture firm Populous produced the current design, but Foster + Partners was involved in the early idea stage.
Stadium in Abha:
King Khalid University Stadium
King Khalid University Stadium will have more than 45,000 seats during the 2034 World Cup, up from its present capacity of 22,000 seats. Its historical relevance is preserved while modern infrastructure and a new west stand are part of the renovation. The venue will have improved amenities and continue to provide access to neighboring sports facilities and the Dalaghan Park nature reserve, which is southeast of Abha City. It will host a professional football team and sponsor community events after the World Cup.
Stadium in Neom:
NEOM Stadium
The NEOM stadium, which has a 350-meter-high pitch, will be included into The Line, a planned 170-kilometer linear city. With more than 46,000 seats, the stadium would serve as the focal point of The Line's sports-oriented neighborhood. It will hold big events for the city and professional football following the World Cup. The project is expected to begin construction in 2027 and be finished in 2032.
