With an estimated 4 billion football fans worldwide, football stands as the most popular sport globally. Iconic stadiums designed specifically for football can be found across the world. In a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious plan featuring a collection of elite stadiums and state-of-the-art facilities. Saudi Arabia’s Minister and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud has announced a concerted effort to turn the Kingdom’s vision of hosting the FIFA World Cup into reality. This initiative aims to make Saudi Arabia the first nation to host a 48-team tournament solely within its borders, combining the country’s rich football heritage with its fervent passion for the sport. The Kingdom is set to elevate the standard of international football events by focusing on prime locations and exceptional fan experiences. Among the futuristic desert cities being developed along the Red Sea coast—such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom—eight of the eleven stadiums designated for the FIFA tournament will be situated in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
Here is a list of 11 remarkable Saudi stadiums that might host the 2034 Football World Cup. Some of these venues are still under construction. The following table provides intriguing details about these stadiums.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Stadium Construction Plans
1: New Murabba Stadium and ROSHAN Stadium
Both the New Murabba Stadium and ROSHAN Stadium are set to host group stage and Round of 32 matches. With capacities of 46,010 and 46,000, respectively, these stadiums are anticipated to be completed by 2032.
2: King Fahad Sports City Stadium
The King Fahad Sports City Stadium, with a current capacity of 70,200, is undergoing renovations slated for completion between 2026 and 2028. This venue will host matches from the group stage through to the semi-finals, including the Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarter-finals.
3: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, an existing venue, will be renovated by 2032. With a seating capacity of 53,843, it will accommodate matches from the group stage through the quarter-finals, including the Round of 32 and Round of 16.
4: New Stadium Developments in Saudi Arabia
The new King Salman International Stadium, with a capacity of 92,000, is set to become Saudi Arabia’s premier national stadium. Scheduled to open in 2029 near Riyadh, it will host both the World Cup Final and the opening ceremony of the tournament, establishing itself as a central venue for the event.
5: Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium
Named after Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium in Riyadh will undergo significant renovations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Currently seating 22,500, the stadium will see its capacity expanded and modernized with the latest innovations
