Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia has been officially confirmed as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following ratification at an Extraordinary FIFA Congress in December 2024. The decision came after an uncontested bidding process that left the Kingdom as the sole candidate by the end of 2023.

The tournament will be staged entirely in Saudi Arabia and will feature 48 teams — making it the first 48-team World Cup ever hosted by a single nation. Matches will be spread across five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM.

A total of 15 stadiums are planned for the event, including 11 new venues to be built and 4 existing stadiums set for renovation. Riyadh will carry the largest share with 8 stadiums, led by the new King Salman International Stadium, which has a capacity of around 92,760 and is planned to host both the opening match and the final, later becoming the national team's home ground.

Jeddah is set to feature four stadiums, among them the renovated King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (around 62,345 capacity), while Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM will each host one venue — including the new NEOM Stadium and the renovated King Khalid University Stadium in Abha.

Why it matters

Hosting football's biggest tournament places the Kingdom at the center of the global sporting map and is expected to accelerate development in infrastructure, transport, tourism and hospitality across the host cities. For residents and expats alike, the years ahead promise major projects and new opportunities tied to the event. Tournament dates have not yet been fixed, and the final schedule is still to be announced.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving