Saudi Arabia Advances 2034 World Cup Stadium Plans

Saudi Arabia has moved forward with preparations to host the 2034 World Cup, advancing an ambitious stadium program spread across five host cities: الرياض, جدة, Al Khobar, Abha, and نيوم. The plan currently envisages 15 stadiums, structured as 11 new venues plus four existing stadiums to be refurbished or temporarily expanded.

As of 2026, three stadiums are under construction, four existing venues are entering major renovation, and eight new stadiums remain in planned or early-works stages, with most new builds scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2032. The combined investment in the venues and associated sports infrastructure exceeds SAR 75 billion (about USD 20 billion).

الرياض carries the largest share with eight stadiums combining new builds and renovations, while جدة is set for four, including a major new central stadium and upgrades to King Abdullah Sports City. Al Khobar, Abha, and نيوم will each host one venue. Officials are conducting budget revisions and schedule adjustments in 2026, with internal discussions about possibly reducing the number of active match venues, while keeping the official framework of 15 stadiums intact.

Among the flagship projects is King Salman International Stadium in الرياض, planned with a capacity of around 92,000 to 93,000 seats and intended to host opening and final matches. Early groundwork and prequalification packages are underway. Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in القدية is also planned as a key venue.

The wider program is anchored in رؤية السعودية 2030 sports and tourism strategies and is supervised at national level by the Ministry of Sport and national investment bodies. A network of training base cities — including Al-Baha, Jazan, Taif, Medina, العلا, Umluj, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Ahsa, and Buraidah — will host team facilities and supporting infrastructure, spreading the tournament's benefits across the Kingdom and creating jobs and long-term amenities for residents.

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