The 2034 FIFA World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia as the mega nation gears up to achieve a milestone under its ambitious Vision 2030 program. This World Cup will also be the first time hosting in Saudi Arabia, with 48 teams playing across 15 stadiums. Five major host cities will be used for match staging: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the newly planned futuristic city of NEOM.
Riyadh: The heart of the tournament
Riyadh, as the capital city, will be the most important city for the 2034 World Cup. With a capacity of 92,000, the King Salman International Stadium will stage the opening match and the final. Other venues in the city will include the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, as well as the New Murabba Stadium. These stadiums are part of a broader plan to transform Riyadh into a sports capital, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM: Diverse venues across the nation
The Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah, which sits on the Red Sea coast, will play host to matches at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and the Jeddah Central Development Stadium.Aramco Stadium will be located in Al Khobar within the Eastern Province. The stadiums will include King Khalid University Stadium in Abha, in the south-western part of the Kingdom. Set amid the development of a new city called NEOM, a proposed upcoming megacity in Saudi Arabia, located in the Tabuk Province of northwestern Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea coast. This futuristic urban complex will feature the NEOM Stadium, which will showcase unique design and technology.These cities were chosen to provide fans and teams with a diverse and enriching experience, while also showcasing Saudi Arabia’s vibrant culture and commitment to sustainable development. The inclusion of NEOM, still under construction, highlights the country’s focus on hosting events in innovative and sustainable venues.Also Read: Kuwait vs Saudi Arabia U17 in Gulf Cup: Live Streaming, Kickoff Time, and Head-to-Head Stats
Preparing for fans and global attention
Efforts are also being put into place to enhance mobility, hospitality, and leisure for ease of access for foreign visitors. High-speed rail would link the host cities, and fans will be able to experience cultural festivals alongside luxury and mid-range hotels, allowing fans to experience Saudi Arabia outside the football ground. Such preparations underscore the kingdom’s goal of emerging as a major sports tourism destination over the next ten years.
