Saudi Arabia to Build 15 Stadiums for 2034 FIFA World Cup

In a bold and transformative move, Saudi Arabia has unveiled a sweeping infrastructure plan to build and upgrade 15 stadiums across the Kingdom in preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The initiative reflects the country’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions and its commitment to establishing itself as a global hub for sports, tourism, and innovation.

The project will see the construction of 11 brand-new stadiums and the renovation of 4 existing ones, strategically distributed across five key cities:

• Riyadh
• Jeddah
• Al Khobar
• Abha
• NEOM — the Kingdom’s futuristic smart city under development on the Red Sea coast.

These cities were selected to showcase Saudi Arabia’s cultural diversity and regional development, while also ensuring geographic accessibility for fans and teams.

King Salman International Stadium, Riyadh

Designed by Kansas City-based architecture firm Populous—also known for creating the Sphere in Las Vegas—this stadium draws inspiration from mountain landscapes, with lush green walls climbing its rugged, crag-like exterior. Boasting a massive 92,000-seat capacity, it will become Saudi Arabia’s largest stadium upon completion. Engineered for the region’s climate, the venue incorporates natural ventilation and generous shading for optimal comfort. Slated to open in 2029, the stadium is set to serve as the new national arena and will take center stage during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, including hosting the opening ceremony.

King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh

Featuring a unique roof design inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, this stadium currently serves as the home ground for Saudi Arabia’s national football team. In anticipation of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, it is undergoing a major renovation led by Rome-based architecture firm Schiattarella Associati. The upgrades will expand its seating capacity from 58,000 to 70,200. The revamped stadium is scheduled to reopen in 2026.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Riyadh

Set to be one of the standout venues of the 2034 World Cup, this upcoming 46,979-seat stadium by Populous boasts a striking geometric design enhanced by shimmering metallic finishes and LED glass panels. Its distinctive triangular form offers stunning views of the Tuwaiq escarpment, a dramatic natural landmark in the Kingdom. Located in Qiddiya, just southwest of Riyadh, the venue will serve as a centerpiece of the ambitious Qiddiya City sports and entertainment district. Beyond football, the stadium will host concerts, cultural events, and house an Olympic Museum. Completion is expected by 2029.

New Murabba Stadium, Riyadh

Drawing inspiration from the peeling bark of native acacia trees, this stadium features a striking canopy design believed to be a collaboration between global design giants Arup and BIG, the renowned firm led by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. Set to open in 2032, the venue will accommodate more than 46,000 spectators. After the World Cup, it will transition into a multi-use space, hosting concerts and offering outdoor dining experiences.

ROSHN Stadium, Riyadh

Property developer ROSHN is leading the development of a striking new 46,000-seat stadium in southwest Riyadh, designed to resemble a glowing crystal after dark. The venue will feature a uniquely saddle-shaped seating bowl that improves natural ventilation and shading, along with a parabolic structure to enhance acoustics. Surrounding the stadium will be landscaped green areas, retail outlets, restaurants, and hospitality spaces. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2028, with the official opening planned for 2032.

Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium, Riyadh

First opened in 1971, this stadium is slated for a full transformation into a 46,865-seat venue, drawing inspiration from Salmani architecture—a style rooted in nature and promoted by King Salman. Scheduled to open in 2027, the redesigned stadium will emphasize sustainability, featuring energy-efficient systems and locally sourced materials. It will also serve as a central element within a larger park development project.

South Riyadh Stadium, Riyadh

Also designed by Populous, this 45,000-seat stadium emphasizes sustainability, incorporating drought-tolerant landscaping, solar energy systems, and rainwater harvesting. Renderings reveal a semi-translucent, square-shaped structure set amid expansive green spaces. As part of the Green Riyadh Project, the stadium is intended to serve long-term as a hub for both sporting events and community gatherings. Its opening is planned for 2032.

King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh

One of two existing venues set for temporary expansion ahead of the World Cup, this stadium will see its capacity nearly double—from 25,000 to 46,000 seats. Architecture firm Populous will lead the transformation, adding a lightweight elliptical roof inspired by the shape and pattern of wheel spokes. Following the tournament, the stadium will return to hosting university-level games and community events.

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah

Completed in 2014 by Arup, this stadium is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest, with a seating capacity exceeding 57,000. Known as “the shining jewel” for its unique, gem-like exterior, the venue is set to undergo significant upgrades by 2032. These renovations will integrate advanced technology and align the facility with FIFA requirements, all while preserving the integrity of its original architectural design.

Qiddiya Coast Stadium, Jeddah

Also designed by Populous, this vibrant stadium features a striking, multicolored rippled façade that represents the interplay of people, water, energy, and matter. Set to open in 2032, the 46,000-seat venue will rise along Jeddah’s northern Red Sea coastline as a centerpiece of the Qiddiya Coast Development—a mixed-use hub featuring sports facilities, hotels, and public spaces. Its removable football pitch will allow the stadium to seamlessly transition into a multi-purpose venue for concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and various sporting events long after the World Cup concludes.

Jeddah Central Development Stadium, Jeddah

Drawing inspiration from the intricate, maze-like architecture of Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, this 45,000-seat stadium blends traditional design with cutting-edge technology. Designed by German firm GMP alongside Beirut-based Khatib & Alami, the stadium features a three-tiered structure surrounded by four “villages” that house retail, leisure, and medical facilities. It boasts a semi-translucent roof and a 360-degree LED screen. Located in the Al Andalus district, the venue is slated for completion by 2027 and will serve as a multifunctional space for concerts, conferences, and football matches after the World Cup.

King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, Jeddah

Boasting an organic design inspired by coral reefs, this 45,000-seat stadium will be located on the Red Sea Coast as part of a comprehensive development that includes three hotels, mixed-use community areas, residential buildings, and a sports clinic. Reflecting its natural design influence, the stadium will prioritize environmental sustainability and be nestled within lush green surroundings. Following the World Cup, the venue will continue to host football matches, concerts, and exhibitions.

Aramco Stadium, Al Khobar

Originally conceptualized by Foster + Partners and further developed by U.S.-based firm Populous, this 46,000-seat stadium is taking shape near Al Khobar’s Corniche in the city’s northern area. Its dynamic, swirling form draws inspiration from the “dawwama” whirlpools that form in the coastal waters during summer, with overlapping sail-like structures and wave-inspired decorative elements. The stadium will be well-integrated into its surroundings through public transport access, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths. Post-World Cup, it is set to become home to a professional football club and a vibrant retail hub.

King Khalid University Stadium, Abha

Located on a university campus southeast of Abha, this existing stadium is set for a major expansion ahead of the 2034 World Cup, with its capacity increasing from 22,000 to 45,000 seats. The redesign, led by renowned architecture firm Populous, will include the addition of a new west stand and significant upgrades to facilities, all while preserving the venue’s original character. Positioned near Dalaghan Park and neighboring sports amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts, the upgraded stadium is designed to serve as a long-term community centerpiece well beyond the tournament.

Neom Stadium, The Line

As a key feature of the visionary city of The Line, this striking 46,000-seat stadium will rise 350 metres above ground, promising to be one of the most iconic venues of the 2034 World Cup. Integrated into the fabric of the vertical city, the stadium’s roof will form part of the urban structure, anchoring a sports-centric district with panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. Designed with cutting-edge technology, it will offer features such as e-ticketing gates and 4K Ultra HD broadcasting. Aligned with The Line’s sustainability goals, the venue will be powered entirely by renewable sources like wind and solar energy, and will be easily accessible via a five-minute walk from anywhere in the neighborhood.

Vision 2030 in Action

This infrastructure push is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious national transformation plan aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and reducing reliance on oil. The stadium initiative aligns closely with the Vision’s objectives, leveraging sports and international events to boost tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors.

“The 2034 World Cup is more than just a tournament for us,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Sport. “It’s a gateway to legacy-building infrastructure that will serve future generations of athletes and fans.”

Global Sporting Aspirations

Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it intends to become a leading destination for international sporting events. From Formula 1 races and boxing matches to golf tournaments and now the FIFA World Cup, the Kingdom is investing heavily in sports diplomacy as a soft power strategy.

While the designs and detailed timelines for the new stadiums have yet to be released, the government has confirmed that work is already underway to meet FIFA’s infrastructure requirements. Each venue will adhere to the highest global standards for sustainability, fan experience, and accessibility.

The Kingdom has also pledged to incorporate smart technologies in stadium operations, echoing NEOM’s broader mission to pioneer intelligent urban planning.

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