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State-of-the-Art Stadiums in Saudi Arabia Set to Host World Cup in 2034

The ROSHN Stadium promises an unconventional and immersive fan experience for more than 46,000 fans. SPA
The ROSHN Stadium promises an unconventional and immersive fan experience for more than 46,000 fans. SPA
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State-of-the-Art Stadiums in Saudi Arabia Set to Host World Cup in 2034

The ROSHN Stadium promises an unconventional and immersive fan experience for more than 46,000 fans. SPA
The ROSHN Stadium promises an unconventional and immersive fan experience for more than 46,000 fans. SPA

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.

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Sports

Liverpool Sack Slot, Iraola in Line to Take Over

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)
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Liverpool Sack Slot, Iraola in Line to Take Over

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot sits on the bench prior to the start of the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025. (AP)

Liverpool sacked manager Arne Slot on Saturday, saying the club were seeking a "change of direction", after a disastrous defense of their Premier League title.

The Reds finished fifth in the table, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, despite spending a Premier League record of nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new players in one transfer window last year.

Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly set to take over at Anfield after leading the Cherries into Europe for the first time in the club's history.

Just over a year ago Slot was heralded as a hero after taking on the daunting role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp and leading Liverpool to a record-equaling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season in charge.

Yet fans turned on the Dutchman this season after a series of lackluster performances.

There was also sign of dressing room disharmony, most notably from Mohamed Salah on his way out of the club.

In an explosive social media post earlier this month, which was liked by multiple members of the Liverpool squad, Salah called for a return to "heavy metal football", referring to Klopp's high energy style of play, in a perceived dig at Slot's more cautious approach.

Liverpool's return of 60 points was their lowest since the 2015/16 season.

Despite their troubles, it had been reported that Slot would be handed a stay of execution after securing Champions League qualification.

- 'Different approach' -

However, the club's owners, the American-based Fenway Sports Group, have succumbed to fan pressure to axe the former Feyenoord boss.

"We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but," the club said in a statement.

"The conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team's trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.

"Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield."

Liverpool added that "the process to appoint a successor is under way".

Many fans were keen for the return of Xabi Alonso to Anfield, but the club's former midfielder will instead take charge of Chelsea next season.

Iraola's stock is high after an 18-game unbeaten league run to finish the campaign in sixth, just three points behind Liverpool despite vastly inferior resources.

The Spaniard also worked together with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously held a similar role at Bournemouth.

Slot ultimately paid for failing to get a return on Liverpool's huge investment last summer.

British transfer record signing Alexander Isak was beset by fitness problems, while Florian Wirtz struggled with the transition to the Premier League after a £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Slot, though, also had to deal with emotional turmoil caused by the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in July.

Sports

Fonseca Fever Sparks Tennis Boom in Brazil

Joao Fonseca of Brazil reacts as he plays against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their third round men's singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP)
Joao Fonseca of Brazil reacts as he plays against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their third round men's singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP)
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Fonseca Fever Sparks Tennis Boom in Brazil

Joao Fonseca of Brazil reacts as he plays against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their third round men's singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP)
Joao Fonseca of Brazil reacts as he plays against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their third round men's singles tennis match at the French Open tennis tournament in Paris, Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP)

The rise of teenage tennis star Joao Fonseca -- who pulled off a stunning win over Serbian great Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros -- has fueled a tennis fever among the youth in his home country, Brazil.

In recent years, fans from the football-mad nation have brought their boisterous energy to typically restrained tennis matches as they followed the 19-year-old's ascension to number 30 in the world.

In Brazil, children are flocking to tennis academies and youth tournaments to follow in his footsteps.

"Today, we have no spots available. There is a waiting list," tennis coach Juninho Nascimento told AFP at his academy in Sao Bernardo do Campo, 20 kilometers from Sao Paulo.

One of his students, 13-year-old Henry Takahashi, said he trains every day, with Fonseca serving as his "inspiration".

"I like how (Fonseca) carries himself on the court, his shots... everything," Takahashi said shyly.

With his aggressive playing style, a heavy forehand, and plenty of charisma, Rio de Janeiro native Fonseca has emerged as the great hope of South American tennis.

In the process, he has put Brazil back on the map among the men's tennis elite.

On Friday he blasted Djokovic out of the French Open in an almost five-hour match.

In 2025 -- when he won his first titles on the ATP Tour in Buenos Aires and Basel -- Fonseca became just the fifth Brazilian in history to break into the top 25 of the world rankings.

His highest ranking has been 24th.

This places him in an exclusive club alongside Gustavo Kuerten -- the country's only world number one -- Thomaz Bellucci, Fernando Meligeni, and Thomaz Koch.

It had been a long time coming for Brazil: Kuerten retired in 2008, Meligeni in 2003, and Koch in 1985.

- Same racket, same moustache -

Brazil recorded a 34 percent jump in the number of participants in a national youth championship for players between the ages of 12 and 18 and the Federation Cup -- an elite tournament for rising stars in which Fonseca himself once competed.

"It's crazy! I joke with everyone: Joao Fonseca wins a match in the morning, and by the afternoon, the number of registered members goes up," Danilo Gaino, president of the Sao Paulo tennis federation, told AFP.

Thiago Freitas, Brazil operations director for the Roc Nation sports agency, said Fonseca attracted young fans.

"If you look at the boys, they're all growing little mustaches and beards just like Joao's," Nascimento said -- referring to the goatee often sported by the player.

Many also use his racket model.

Just breaking into the professional ranks, Luis "Guto" Miguel is one of Brazil's most promising young tennis players.

Ranked second in the International Tennis Federation's junior standings, the 17-year-old believes that Fonseca is "paving a path" for others to follow.

"It's a tough road. With his dedication, his shot-making, and his attitude, he helps us learn faster and reach the very top," Miguel told AFP after competing in the Latin American Open in Sao Paulo -- his debut on the ATP Tour.

In Sao Bernardo do Campo, other up-and-coming young players wrap up a practice session.

Seeing "such a young player" like Fonseca win titles is an inspiration, said one of them, Bruno Rodrigues.

"If he can do it, maybe one day we can too."

Sports

Key Talking Points Ahead of PSG vs Arsenal Champions League Final

The match ball is on display prior to a press conference, in Budapest, Hungary, 29 May 2026. (EPA)
The match ball is on display prior to a press conference, in Budapest, Hungary, 29 May 2026. (EPA)
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Key Talking Points Ahead of PSG vs Arsenal Champions League Final

The match ball is on display prior to a press conference, in Budapest, Hungary, 29 May 2026. (EPA)
The match ball is on display prior to a press conference, in Budapest, Hungary, 29 May 2026. (EPA)

Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain face Arsenal in Saturday's final in Budapest aiming to defend their crown.

The Gunners have never won the trophy but after clinching the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years Mikel Arteta's side believe they can dethrone the French champions.

AFP Sport looks at five key talking points ahead of the clash at the Puskas Arena.

Arsenal's set-piece threat

This season Arteta's team have sometimes struggled to create from open play, but they have produced incredible danger from dead ball situations.

Arsenal's physical players cause havoc at corners, particularly center-back Gabriel Magalhaes, and they will look to put PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov under heavy pressure, perhaps their weakest link.

Set piece coach Nicolas Jover is considered the best in the business and nearly 40 percent of Arsenal's goals in their run to the Premier League title came from dead ball situations.

"People may say that they don't score team goals, but who cares about that?" said PSG coach Luis Enrique, acknowledging Arsenal's effective tactics. "Ask any Arsenal fan and I'm sure they're delighted."

PSG's strong left flank

Arsenal are boosted by Jurrien Timber's return to fitness after a groin injury, particularly given the biggest problem for Arteta to solve is how to handle PSG's left flank.

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has arguably been the competition's best player, scoring 10 goals for the French side, and behind him at left-back Nuno Mendes is a dynamic force going forward.

Arteta must decide whether to put Timber straight into the line-up after two-and-a-half months out, or if he will deploy center-back Cristhian Mosquera on the right.

Declan Rice has also been used there in Timber's absence but the midfielder will be vital in the center of the pitch up against PSG's Vitinha.

Mileage check

Many of Arsenal's likely starting line-up in the final have played over 3,000 minutes each this season across all competitions, with Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya hitting 4,000.

Arteta has stayed faithful to a core of players and insisted his team should not use fatigue as an "excuse".

"That's the context and that's the scenario, and we have to embrace it and especially enjoy the opportunity," said the Spanish coach last month, in the thick of the title race.

By contrast, Luis Enrique has been able to rotate and rest many of his first choice players in Ligue 1 as PSG claimed their 12th title in the last 14 years.

Only Willian Pacho, Vitinha and Warren Zaire-Emery have more than 3,000 minutes banked this season.

"Rest is also an integral part of preparation, especially when we're playing matches like these," said Luis Enrique before the final.

PSG did compete at the Club World Cup last summer though, increasing the need for the Asturian coach to balance his players' game-time.

Clean sheet machine

The statistics of both sides lead many to imagine the final will turn out to be a question of whether the "unstoppable force" of PSG can break down Arsenal's "immovable object".

Arsenal have conceded just six goals in the tournament, staying unbeaten, and goalkeeper David Raya has nine clean sheets, matching the all-time record.

In front of him Gabriel and William Saliba form a formidable center-back pairing for Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele to try and break through, amply supported by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.

PSG have scored 44 goals in the tournament, one short of the record of 45 set by Barcelona in the 1999-2000 campaign.

A Luis Enrique surprise

PSG outgunned Bayern Munich with a thrilling 5-4 victory in the first leg of the semi-final clash, leaving the world licking their lips and waiting for more entertainment from the second leg.

However, wily coach Luis Enrique changed his gameplan considerably and PSG played far more conservatively in Munich, securing a 1-1 draw to reach the final.

Always keen to spring a surprise on his opponents, Luis Enrique said the Ligue 1 champions would adapt their game to face Arsenal.

"We'll have to adapt to play and defend in a different way compared to what we usually do if we want to get the better of them," said Luis Enrique.

Goalkeeper Safonov blasted the ball off the pitch several times, as a strategy to congest the areas around dangerous Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

"We have analyzed everything they do in every phase," said Arteta.

"We've prepared the possible scenarios. We try to understand the purpose behind what they do and what they want to achieve."