As Saudi Arabia goes through the formalities of finalising its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the mindset in the Kingdom is very much ‘build it and they will come’. At the official submission of its project, the country laid out its plans to build 11 new stadiums in order to host tournament.
According to the country’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid book that was recently submitted to the organising committee in Paris, there will be a total of 15 stadiums, with four existing venues set to be refurbished alongside the new builds.
The proposed host cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM – the 170-kilometre-long linear city currently being built on the Red Sea coast. The vast plan also involves building an additional 134 training sites across the country, with 73 newly built facilities.
Entitled ‘Growing. Together.‘ the Kingdom’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid book features renderings of the to-be-built stadiums – the pick of which we have highlighted for you below:
King Salman International Stadium (Riyadh)
The proposed King Salman International Stadium is set to become Saudi Arabia’s new national stadium. At an massive 92,000-seat capacity, it will be the country’s largest – and will likely host both the opening ceremony and the World Cup Final. To be designed by architecture firm Populous, the design has been created to provide shading and natural ventilation.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium (Riyadh)
Originally opened in 1987 – the Riyadh-based stadium has been undergoing some serious refurbishment over the past couple of years. While the capacity is expected to jump from 58,000 to 92,000, it will keep elements of its recognizable tensile roof structure, which was inspired by traditional tents. The stadium is expected to be re-opened by 2026 – giving it plenty of time to bed in ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium (Riyadh)
Now that’s more like it! Named after the visionary Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman comes an ambitious-looking stadium from architecture firm Populous. Located in Riyadh’s southwestern area of Qiddiya, this new 46,979-capacity venue will be built with a three-sided design, with the fourth side offering views of the Tuwaiq cliffs. According to plans, the stadium will be built utilizing iridescent and LED glass screens and metallic finishes – designed to create an immersive experience for visitors. It is planned to be completed by 2029.
New Murabba Stadium (Riyadh)
With a design inspired by the bark of native acacia trees, this new 46,000-seater will be located in north-western Riyadh, with plans for it to be adapted into a concert, gaming, and outdoor dining venue after the World Cup.
ROSHN Stadium (Riyadh)
While the renderings of this new stadium look like something out of Superman, we are ensured that the new ROSHN Stadium will be ready and able to welcome 46,000 spectators come World Cup time. It features a saddle-shaped seating bowl for shading and ventilation, a parabolic geometry for acoustic amplification, and a crystal-like structure that glows at night.
Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium (Riyadh)
Already under construction, the new stadium is set to open in 2027 and play a key part in Riyadh’s wider park master plan. Built with pubic transportation access very much in mind, the 46,865-seater stadium will also feature locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems.
South Riyadh Stadium (Riyadh)
With construction not expected to start until 2029, not a great deal is known about this stadium so far, except that it has legacy plans that will connect to the Green Riyadh Project and serve as a major venue for sports and community events post-2034 World Cup.
King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh)
The current home of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is one of two existing venues set to host World Cup 2034 games. Now while CR7 will likely have retired by then (maybe!?), the stadium is expected to increase its capacity for the tournament. Currently the stadium fits 25,000 spectators, the plans are to increase its capacity to 46,000 for the tournament. After the event, it will revert to accommodating 33,000 spectators, serving university teams and community events.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Jeddah’s flagship stadium has hosted its fair share of dramatic moments in the history of Saudi football, so it is only right that the famous stadium gets the nod as one of the Saudi bid’s preferred venues. That said, ahead of the World Cup the grande dame will undergo an updating in order to meet FIFA standards and integrate new technologies.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium / unknown architect (Jeddah)
The continued expansion of Jeddah as a global sporting destination of note will have a lot to do with the construction of the Qiddiya Coast Stadium. Located on the Red Sea coast, the 46,000-seater will serve as a dynamic, multi-purpose venue post-2034 World Cup, adaptable for sports, e-sports, concerts, and conferences. The venue is set to start construction in 2029 and be completed by 2032.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium (Jeddah)
Although its design is inspired by traditional Al Balad architectural elements, this new-build stadium will be kitted out with some futuristic tech. Built over three tiers, the stadium will feature a semi-translucent roof, a retractable inner roof, and a 360° LED screen. Located in Jeddah’s Al Andalus area, it will be surrounded by four integrated villages offering diverse amenities. Post-2034 World Cup, it will serve professional football games, and host various events including conferences and concerts. It is currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2027.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium (Jeddah)
According to the official bid text, the stadium seating will feature an organic design inspired by Red Sea coral reefs. With a capacity of 45,000, it will also serve as a multifunctional hub with hotels, mixed-use spaces, and a sports clinic. Post-2034 World Cup, the stadium will host football, concerts, and exhibitions, while the precinct will offer expansive green areas and community spaces for residents.
Aramco Stadium (Khobar)
With construction already underway, this new stadium near the Kingdom’s north east city of Khobar is an important part of Saudi’s current phase of the growing football in the country. Once completed – expected to be in 2027 – the stadium will be able to host up to 46,000 spectators.
King Khalid University Stadium (Abha)
Located southeast of Abha City on the university campus, this stadium is current in use. However, with a current capacity of 22,000, it will undergo some refurbishment to temporarily expand it to over 45,000 seats. As the stadium is situated close to Dalaghan Park nature reserve, refurbishment plans will need to both modernize the infrastructure while maintaining the stadium’s historical and ecological value, which will include building a new permanent west stand with upgraded technology.
NEOM Stadium (NEOM)
The most intriguing of all the venues is saved for last. Planned for the currently-being-built future city of NEOM, the NEOM Stadium is set to be integrated in the 170-kilometer-long linear city also known as The Line. Early renderings of the venue suggest that the stadium will be built on top of The Line, meaning that the pitch will be approximately 350 meters above ground. According to the Bid Book, the stadium will sit at the heart of The Line’s sports-focused neighbourhood adjacent to the Health and Well-Being District and the University, easily accessed from multiple levels.
Now while NEOM project has actively encouraged future-focused technology, the NEOM Stadium is expected to run entirely on renewable energy from wind and solar sources. The transportation systems will be entirely electric, with the five-minute accessibility urban model promoting travel on foot. Program-wise, the structure will be home to a men’s and women’s professional football club and a base for the club, fans, community activities, and major events.