A monumental chapter in Saudi Arabia's sporting legacy unfolds as the nation prepares to host the World Cup 2034 after FIFA awarded its hosting rights to the Kingdom.
Central to the event are the stadiums themselves, with plans for 11 brand-new venues and the redevelopment of four existing ones. Spread across five key cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—the stadiums are designed to offer top-tier facilities, unparalleled comfort, and extraordinary experiences, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Strategically located, these stadiums adhere to both local and international standards, with sustainability fundamentally woven into them, SPA said.
Riyadh alone will include eight stadiums to host the World Cup matches, including the new King Salman International Stadium, boasting a seating capacity exceeding 92,000 spectators. The grand arena is scheduled to host both the opening and final matches of the tournament.
Another impressive stadium will be the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, a true architectural gem. With its three-sided seating offering a breathtaking view of the towering Tuwaiq cliff, the stadium sets a globally unparalleled and futuristic design, featuring colorful glass facades and an LED wall.
Among the city's lineup is the renowned King Fahd Sports City Stadium, undergoing a transformation to meet the latest international standards while expanding its capacity to over 70,000 spectators.
The list also includes one of Riyadh’s historic stadiums, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium, nestled in a vital area of the capital.
Joining these icons is the new South Riyadh Stadium, a fusion of tradition and modernity inspired by the Salmani architecture style, accommodating over 47,000 fans.
Adding to the city's allure is the ROSHN Stadium, promising an unconventional and immersive fan experience for more than 46,000 fans.
The King Saud University Stadium, a prominent landmark that boasts strategic location, is also on the list, SPA said.
Completing this remarkable ensemble is the New Murabba Stadium, drawing inspiration from the Acacia tree with its blend of international standards and Saudi essence, welcoming over 46,000 fervent supporters.
In Jeddah, the Jeddah Central Development Stadium, yet to be constructed, will be distinguished by its architectural design inspired by local heritage and the traditional wooden architecture of the city’s historic Al-Balad district.
Meanwhile, the coastal stadium in King Abdullah Economic City will meet the needs of the vibrant city community, and the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea will inspire its aesthetic design.
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, known as “The Shining Jewel,” has a design that accommodates over 58,000 spectators.
Among the new stadiums is the Qiddiya Coast Stadium, which will be built on the shores of the Red Sea, offering an integrated entertainment experience for more than 46,000 spectators.
In the city of Al-Khobar, the Aramco Stadium will sit on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, featuring a dynamic design inspired by the sea. It mirrors the shape of the "whirlpools" that appear off the coast during the summer months. The stadium's architectural elements include several overlapping sails and decorations that emulate the form of natural waves, harmonizing with the surrounding coastal environment on the shores of the Kingdom.
The King Khalid University Stadium in Abha is undergoing expansion work to increase its capacity to over 45,000 spectators for the World Cup 2034 matches. The renovation process will focus on upgrading the infrastructure while considering the stadium's sustainable legacy.
The NEOM Stadium is expected to be the most distinctive in the world, located at an elevation of over 350 meters within the "The Line" structure. It will offer an exceptional and unprecedented experience for attending football matches. The primary sources of energy for the stadium will include wind and solar power, marking a historic leap in stadium design worldwide.
To make the most of the Kingdom's geographic space and diverse regions, the hosting plan will extend to 10 cities supporting the host cities.
The cities will accommodate some of the teams' training camps before and during the tournament. The cities are distinguished by their tourist areas, allowing participating teams and attending fans to explore the Kingdom's rich heritage and enjoy unique tourism experiences during the hosting period.
Regarding the teams' training centers, there will be 132 training venues across 15 cities hosting the 48 participating teams and their accompanying delegations. This includes 72 stadiums dedicated to training camps, in addition to two training centers for referees.
