Saudi Arabia has unveiled a series of innovative stadium designs as part of its efforts to secure the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.
The Kingdom expressed its desire to host this prestigious tournament following an announcement from the sport’s governing body stating that bids would only be accepted from Asia or Oceania for 2034. Subsequent revelations indicated that Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder for the event.
In response to this announcement, the country has taken significant strides in expanding its sports empire, diversifying into football, golf, and notably, boxing.
Looking ahead to ten years from now, football appears to be at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions, as the Saudi Pro League captivates more attention and substantial investments enhance the nation’s profile in the sport.
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve within the footballing landscape, hosting the World Cup in the future could serve as the crowning achievement of this journey, with several stadium proposals already in the works, including one that would stand 350 feet above ground level.
Saudi Arabia has pitched their stadium concepts for their 2034 World Cup bid, including a 92,000 mega-ground in Riyadh
The potential Neom Stadium, meanwhile, could be located 350 metres above ground level
A number of grounds are yet to be made, with some existing but needing construction
In an overview presented by the nation, a total of 15 stadiums across five proposed host cities were outlined – some already built, some in progress, and others in the planning phase.
Riyadh, the capital city, is proposed as the first host city, being the center of numerous sporting events in the Kingdom.
Six stadiums in Riyadh are earmarked for use during the tournament, including a massive venue with a capacity of over 92,000 seats, set to be completed by 2029 and named King Salman International Stadium.
According to the proposal, it will be the ‘largest capacity venue in Saudi Arabia and a major sports hub, serving as the home for the national team.’
Additionally, the King Fahad Sports City Stadium, currently existing and undergoing refurbishment, has a capacity of over 70,000, while other proposed grounds include the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, the New Murabba Stadium, the Roshn Stadium, and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad City Stadium.
In Jeddah, another six stadiums are proposed, with three being existing or under construction and the other three planned.
In Al Khobar, the Armaco Stadium, currently under construction, is highlighted as a potential venue alongside the King Khalid University Stadium, located southeast of Abha.
The King Khalid University Stadium is one of the arenas which already exists that could be used in the tournament
The King Fahad Sports City Stadium would be refurbished but would be one of the main grounds in Riyadh
The Armaco Stadium, located in the north of Al Khobar, is already under construction
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium would undergo reconstruction, to be ready in 2032
The Ne Murabba Stadium is planned to be built by 2032 and would carry quite the design
As far as designs go, the potential Roshn Stadium would deliver like no ground worldwide
Neom, however, could host the most visually striking stadium. Set to be utilized up until the quarter-final stage, the Neom Stadium, according to the official proposal, features a pitch that will be ‘situated over 350 meters above ground’.
‘This stadium promises to be a unique experience,’ the proposal states. ‘Enveloped by the city’s infrastructure, it is designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks. Post-tournament, it will become the home of NEOM’s professional football club and serve as the centerpiece for the city’s sports and active lifestyle program.’
Each stadium proposal includes detailed information about the respective city, along with forecasts for population growth and tourist numbers, projecting how the country will transform in a decade.
Prospective rounds for hosting are outlined with each venue, indicating that the semi-finals and final would take place in Riyadh.
Sheik Salman of Bahrain, a leading figure in Asian football, commented on the bid: ‘The entire Asian football community will rally in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s groundbreaking initiative, and we are committed to collaborating closely with the global football community to ensure its success.’
Sources familiar with decision-making circles have informed Mail Sport: ‘A Saudi World Cup in 2034 isn’t merely possible; it’s practically a certainty. Financial backing is once again influencing the outcome, and the event promises to generate billions for FIFA.’
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has insisted the bid is based on ‘growth of people, football and connections around the world’
‘The bid is fundamentally driven by a vision for growth: the growth of people, football, and connections worldwide,’ Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman detailed in the proposal. ‘Hosting the FIFA World Cup is a crucial step in the growth trajectory of the sports sector in the Kingdom, which has experienced significant advancements and successes in recent years.
This progress has solidified Saudi Arabia’s status as an international destination for prominent sports events. Hosting the FIFA World Cup™ will be the pinnacle of the Kingdom’s endeavors in this sector.’
