FIFA Grants Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup Hosting Right

Federation of International Football Association FIFA has officially declared Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The country has unveiled an ambitious plan to build 11 new stadiums and refurbish four existing venues, with a total of 15 stadiums set to host the games during the tournament.

The proposed host cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the yet-unbuilt Neom, a 170-kilometer-long linear city proposed to be built on the Red Sea coast. The plan also involves 134 training sites across the country, with 73 newly built facilities.

The announcement, released on December 11, 2024, came as no surprise, given that only one bid was submitted for each of the 2030 and 2034 World Cup tournaments. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco have been confirmed as joint hosts for the 2030 event, while Saudi Arabia has been chosen to host the 2034 edition.

The 15 stadiums planned to host the games during the FIFA 2034 World Cup are a mix of new and refurbished venues, each with its unique design and features. Some of the notable stadiums include:

•King Salman International Stadium, designed by Populous, which will be Saudi Arabia’s largest stadium with a 92,000-seat capacity and will host the opening and the World Cup Final.

•Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a new 46,979-capacity venue featuring a three-sided design and iridescent and LED glass screens, which will anchor a new sports hub in Qiddiya City.

•The New Murabba Stadium, seating over 46,010, which features a design inspired by the bark of native acacia trees and will be adapted for concerts, gaming, and outdoor dining after the World Cup.

•ROSHN Stadium, a new stadium designed to welcome up to 46,000 spectators, featuring a saddle-shaped seating bowl and a crystal-like structure that glows at night.

Other stadiums include the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, which will undergo refurbishments to meet FIFA standards and integrate new technologies, and the NEOM Stadium, which will be integrated into the planned linear city and will anchor a sports-focused neighborhood.

The construction of the new stadiums is expected to begin in the coming years, with some venues already under construction. The timeline for the completion of the stadiums is as follows:

•King Salman International Stadium: 2029

•Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium: 2029

•The New Murabba Stadium: 2032

•ROSHN Stadium: 2032

•King Abdullah Sports City Stadium: 2032 (refurbishments)

•NEOM Stadium: 2032

The FIFA 2034 World Cup is expected to be a major event, with millions of fans from around the world attending the games.

The tournament will be a showcase for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality, culture, and infrastructure, and the country is gearing up to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.