Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 World Cup Across Five Cities with 15 Stadiums

Riyadh, August 1, 2024 — Saudi Arabia has been officially announced as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, state media reported yesterday. The tournament will feature an expanded roster of 48 teams, marking a significant milestone in football history.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the World Cup will be held in five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of NEOM. The bid book outlines that these cities will collectively host matches in 15 advanced stadiums, 11 of which will be newly constructed.

Riyadh, the nation’s capital, will be the centerpiece of the event, boasting eight stadiums, including the state-of-the-art King Salman Stadium. This new facility, along with the others, will be part of the massive infrastructure upgrade to accommodate the tournament’s needs. Each stadium will be an all-seater venue, with a minimum capacity of 40,000 spectators, meeting FIFA’s stringent requirements for hosting a World Cup of this magnitude.

The ambitious project underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global sports destination and reflects its broader vision of modernization and international engagement. The kingdom’s successful bid adds to its growing portfolio of high-profile sporting events and signals a new era for football in the Middle East.