Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, the sporting equivalent to the jewel on the crown. Saudi Arabia has elaborate plans for the spectacle, despite critics calling their massive spending on sporting events'sportswashing.' They have done this to boost Saudi's stature and reputation.
Stadiums are being proposed for the future
According to the FIFA report, Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid has proposed 15 stadiums. Eight of these are described as new-builds. Three of the stadiums are currently under construction, and four of the existing ones would be renovated.
King Salman International Stadium, Riyadh: According to Saudi's bid document, the stadium will host both the opening and final. The stadium will be built in the north east of Riyadh, near the airport. The stadium is expected to be finished by 2030, and will be the home of Saudi Arabia.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Riyadh Stadium: Located in the southwest part of Riyadh it will host matches, including the third place playoff. According to FIFA, it will have a unique "three-sided design" and be integrated with a cliffside location. Construction will begin in 2026, and should be completed in 2029. The stadium will host two Saudi Pro League teams, but after the 2034 World Cup. It is also a multipurpose entertainment facility.
NEOM stadium (NEOM) : This is one of most talked-about stadiums. It is being built 350 meters above ground level in Neom, the futuristic city currently under construction. This is the first phase of THE Line, a sustainable development plan that uses renewable energy. The stadium will use giant express lifts to transport people vertically, along with horizontally integrated metros and diagonal pedestrian thoroughfares, to create a 'three-dimensional approach to transportation', according to the FIFA document.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium, Jeddah: The stadium will be located north of Jeddah along the Red Sea Coast and will feature a unique design that will look like the Mexican Wave. According to FIFA, after the World Cup the stadium's capacity will be lowered and the retractable field will be used as a multipurpose entertainment venue in the Qiddiya coast development.
The retractable pitch of the stadium will facilitate the hosting e-sports events and concerts following the World Cup. After the World Cup, the upper-tier seating will also be removed to reduce the venue's capacity from 46,096 to 25,000.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, Jeddah: The planned state-of-the-art stadium will host matches up to the Round of 32. It is located north of Jeddah along the Red Sea Coast. Construction will begin in 2027, and should be completed by the year 2032.
The FIFA document stated that after the World Cup it would serve as an entertainment venue with multiple uses at the center of the King Abdullah Development City. Its stadium precinct would be open to the public to encourage connections with nature.
New Murabba Stadium, Riyadh: This stadium will be built in the north-west area of Riyadh and host matches up to the Round of 16 fixtures. It will have a roof design based on native acacia bark. Construction will begin next year, and be completed in 2029.
ROSHN stadium (Riyadh). The stadium will be constructed in the south-west part of Riyadh. Its structure will feature a crystalline pattern that will blend in with the surroundings. Work is expected to begin in 2028, and finish in 2032.
South Riyadh Stadium, Riyadh: The new stadium is being built to the south-west and will connect the Wadi Nmar park. It will also be part of the Green Riyadh Project. The stadium's construction will begin in 2029, and be completed by the year 2032.
Stadiums under construction: Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium; Jeddah Central Development Stadium; Aramco Stadium
Potential dates
Saudi Arabia has not confirmed it but it is possible that it will be in winter like Qatar's edition in 2022. The document states that temperatures are at their mildest in October and April. The average daily temperature during these seven months ranges from 15 to 30 degrees. Between May and Septembre, however, the average daily temperature is between 17 and38 degrees.
Saudi Arabia will be hosting the Asian Games in Riyadh from November 29 until December 14, 2034. Therefore, it may not be possible to host a FIFA World Cup at this time. The organizers would also take Ramadan into consideration, which is the month-long period of fasting and prayer that occurs between mid-November to mid-December.
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