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After the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the Middle East is likely to host another groundbreaking world football event in the next 10 years. Currently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has put forward a gracious bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia plans to be the first single country to ever host the 48-team of the FIFA World Cup in 2034. This will come after North America host the tournament in 2026 and South America, Europe, and Africa co-host the tournament in 20230.
Several stadiums already exist and will be refurbished, while others are under construction or in the planning stages. The significant demand for more sports and entertainment facilities from a young, football-obsessed population—along with the increasing number of major sports events being hosted in Saudi Arabia—makes the pursuit of hosting a FIFA World Cup a natural goal for a country actively building an exciting new future.
Touted as one of the fastest and most thrilling growth stories in world football, Goal provides an overview of every stadium planned to potentially host the 25th edition of the FIFA World Cup. With powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, England, Spain, and France expected to compete for the honor of lifting the most prestigious trophy in sports, the competition promises to be intense.
King Salman International Stadium (Riyadh)
The King Salman International Stadium is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2029.
Upon completion, it will have a seating capacity of over 92,000, making it the largest stadium in Saudi Arabia. It is set to host the opening game, the FIFA World Cup Final, and matches in every round of the tournament.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the stadium will serve as a key feature of the Green Riyadh development masterplan.
King Fahad Sports City Stadium (Riyadh)
The King Fahad Sports City Stadium is set to be completed in 2026, with a capacity to host over 70,000 fans.
The stadium will feature a striking design inspired by the traditional tents commonly seen in Saudi Arabia.
Throughout the tournament, it will host several games, with its highlight being a semi-final match in Riyadh.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium (Riyadh)
The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium is slated for completion in 2029.
With one of the tournament’s most futuristic designs, it features iridescent glass and shimmering metal, creating a striking cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic.
The stadium will accommodate nearly 50,000 seats and is set to host multiple matches, including those in the group stages, the round of 32, the round of 16, and the third-place play-off.
New Murabba Stadium (Riyadh)
The New Murabba Stadium is scheduled for completion by 2032. Its design draws inspiration from the textured bark of the Acacia tree, native to Saudi Arabia.
With a seating capacity of 46,000, the stadium will host matches during the group stage and the Round of 16.
Roshn Stadium (Riyadh)
The Roshn Stadium, another example of futuristic architecture, will feature a striking, glowing crystalline exterior.
Set to be completed by 2032, the stadium will accommodate 46,000 fans.
During the tournament, the Roshn Stadium will host group stage matches and at least one game from the round of 32.
Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium (Riyadh)
The Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium is set to be completed by 2027.
With a capacity of over 46,000, the stadium will host matches in the group stages and the round of 32.
The construction will incorporate locally sourced materials and include green spaces around the stadium, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a sustainable tournament.
South Riyadh Stadium (Riyadh)
The South Riyadh Stadium is scheduled for completion by 2032, with a capacity exceeding 47,000.
Its stunning design will honor the Wadi Hanifa seasonal river valley, which flows through the heart of Riyadh.
The stadium will host matches during the group stages and the round of 32.
King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh)
The King Saud University Stadium, an existing venue, is set for expansion and redevelopment, with completion targeted by 2032.
The stadium’s capacity will increase from 26,100 to over 46,000, enabling it to host matches in the group stages and the round of 32.
Located next to the U Walk, a mixed-use development by King Saud University, the stadium will be a key site during the tournament.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)
Opened in 2014, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also known as the Shining Jewel, has a capacity of 58,432.
The stadium has already hosted a range of historic events, including WWE Premium Live Events, boxing matches such as Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk, ATP tennis tournaments, and most recently, the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup Final.
For the tournament, it will host group stage matches and continue through each knockout round up to the quarter-finals.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium (Jeddah)
The Qiddiya Coast Stadium in Jeddah is set for completion by 2032 and will have a capacity exceeding 46,000.
Its proposed design will mimic the famous Mexican Wave, creating a ripple effect complemented by surrounding green spaces.
The stadium will host group stage matches, as well as games in the round of 32 and the round of 16.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium (Jeddah)
The Jeddah Central Development Stadium is expected to be completed by 2027.
It will host matches during the group stage and the round of 32. The stadium’s design will draw inspiration from Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, which was founded in the seventh century and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium (Jeddah)
The King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, set to be completed in 2032, will accommodate over 45,000 fans.
It will host matches during the group stages and the round of 32. The design is inspired by the growth patterns of local coral reefs found off Saudi Arabia’s coast, including the diverse reefs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.
Aramco Stadium (Al Khobar)
The Aramco Stadium, currently under construction and scheduled for completion by 2026, will be the sole stadium in Al Khobar.
With a capacity of over 46,000, it will host matches during the group stages, the round of 32, and the round of 16.
Its design, inspired by the dynamic nature of the sea, celebrates the fluid and ever-changing qualities of water.
King Khalid University Stadium (Abha)
The King Khalid University Stadium in Abha, although already built, is set to undergo refurbishments scheduled for completion in 2032.
The capacity will be expanded from 22,000 to over 45,000 seats, and it will host matches during the group stages, the round of 32, and the round of 16.
The renovations will modernize the mountain stadium with updated amenities and technology.
NEOM Stadium (NEOM)
Perched more than 350 meters above ground, the NEOM Stadium promises a unique experience. Integrated into the city’s infrastructure, it is designed to be a standout among the world’s most iconic landmarks.
With a capacity of over 46,000 spectators, the stadium will operate entirely on renewable energy and will host matches from the group stages through to the quarter-finals.