Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, met with a delegation from FIFA during their inspection visit to the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia prepares for the official selection of its solo bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The meeting focused on Saudi Arabia's plans to develop its sports infrastructure and future projects aimed at strengthening the country's position in international sports. Discussions also explored opportunities for enhancing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and FIFA to promote sports at both local and global levels.

The FIFA delegation’s five-day visit includes attending the Saudi Arabia vs. Japan match, part of the AFC World Cup 2026 qualifiers. They are also scheduled to visit major Saudi football clubs, including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, and Al Shabab, as well as tour key sports projects locations such as the King Salman Stadium and the Qiddiya development.

Saudi Arabia has outlined plans to host the World Cup across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. Matches will be held at 15 stadiums, 11 of which will be newly built, while four existing stadiums will undergo major redesigns and renovations to meet the highest international standards.

Riyadh will feature eight World Cup stadiums, including the new King Salman Stadium, with a seating capacity of more than 92,000, which will host both the tournament's opening and final matches. The stadium will serve as the new home ground for the Saudi national football team.

In addition to King Salman Stadium, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya will be another architectural landmark with a triple-tiered design and stunning views of the Tuwaiq mountain range. The stadium will incorporate innovative, futuristic design elements, including LED glass facades.

Other notable venues in Riyadh include the iconic King Fahd Sports City Stadium, which will be upgraded to accommodate over 70,000 spectators, and the Al-Murabba Stadium, known for its unique design inspired by the interwoven shapes of the native Acacia tree, offering fans a cutting-edge experience through advanced technologies.

In Jeddah, the newly built Central Jeddah stadium will be modeled after the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditional wooden architecture from the historic Al-Balad district. The coastal stadium in King Abdullah Economic City will blend with the vibrant seaside community and draw inspiration from the Red Sea’s stunning coral reefs.

Khobar will feature the Aramco Stadium, located along the Arabian Gulf coast, with a dynamic design mimicking water whirlpools seen offshore during the summer months. Its architecture will incorporate interlocking sails and wave-like motifs, harmonizing with the surrounding coastal landscape.

Abha’s King Khalid University Stadium is undergoing temporary expansion to increase its seating capacity to more than 45,000 for the 2034 World Cup. The renovation focuses on upgrading infrastructure while ensuring the stadium’s sustainable legacy.

The most remarkable venue will be NEOM's stadium, which will be situated at an elevation of over 350 meters within the futuristic "The Line" structure. This stadium promises an extraordinary and unprecedented football viewing experience, powered entirely by renewable energy from wind and solar sources, marking a historic breakthrough in stadium design.

The FIFA delegation’s visit reflects the Kingdom's commitment to delivering a world-class World Cup experience.