Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, promising a showcase of world-class stadiums and infrastructure.

Central to this bid is the inclusion of 15 state-of-the-art stadiums, designed to deliver an exceptional experience for both players and fans.

Notably, the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah will be home to 12 of these venues, indicating a significant portion of the tournament's 104 matches will take place in these dynamic cities.

Riyadh, the capital city, will feature eight premier venues. The King Salman International Stadium, scheduled for completion in 2029, will be the largest in the country with a capacity of 92,760, hosting the opening match, group stages, Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

The King Fahad Sports City Stadium, an existing structure currently under refurbishment, is set to be completed by 2026 with a capacity of 70,200. It will host group stage matches, as well as matches in the Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals.

Other significant venues in Riyadh include the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium, under construction and set to be completed in 2027 with a capacity of 46,865, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, planned for completion in 2029 with a capacity of 46,979. Both will host group stage and Round of 32 matches, with the latter also set to host the third-place playoff.

The New Murabba Stadium and ROSHN Stadium, both planned to be completed by 2032 with capacities of 46,010 and 46,000 respectively, will host group stage and Round of 32 matches.

The South Riyadh Stadium, also planned for 2032, will accommodate 47,060 spectators, while the existing King Saud University Stadium, undergoing refurbishment and set to be completed by 2032, will hold 46,319 fans. These venues will all host group stage and Round of 32 matches.

In Jeddah, the bid includes four cutting-edge stadiums. The Jeddah Central Development Stadium, currently under construction and set to be completed by 2027 with a capacity of 45,794, and the King Abdullah Economic City Stadium planned for completion in 2032 with a capacity of 45,700. These venues will all host group stage and Round of 32 matches.

The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, an existing venue set for refurbishment by 2032 with a capacity of 58,432, will host group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarter-final matches. The Qiddiya Coast Stadium, planned for completion in 2032 with a capacity of 46,096, will host group stage, Round of 32 matches, and Round of 16.

Beyond Riyadh and Jeddah, other host cities include Al Khobar, which will feature the Aramco Stadium. Under construction and set to be completed by 2026, this stadium will have a capacity of 46,096 and host group stage, Round of 32, and Round of 16 matches.

In Abha, the King Khalid University Stadium, an existing venue set for refurbishment by 2032 with a capacity of 45,428, will host group stage, Round of 32, and Round of 16 matches.

NEOM will present the futuristic NEOM Stadium, planned for completion in 2032 with a capacity of 46,010, hosting group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarter-final matches.

Riyadh and Jeddah's combined hosting of 12 out of the 15 stadiums means that approximately 80% of the tournament's matches will take place in these two cities, underscoring their central role in Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid. This strategic distribution not only highlights the country's readiness to host an unforgettable FIFA World Cup but also reflects its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and facilities.

Saudi Arabia's comprehensive stadium plan is a testament to its dedication to delivering a top-tier tournament. By focusing on high-quality venues and seamless fan experiences, the Kingdom aims to set a new standard for international football events.