Saudi Arabia recently unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art stadium to be situated on a 200-meter cliff near Riyadh, intended to host matches for the 2034 World Cup. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 45,000, will be named after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This ambitious project reflects the kingdom’s desire to become a dominant force in global sports over the coming decade.
The proposed stadium boasts a retractable roof and field, along with a massive LED wall spanning several meters, designed to offer fans an immersive viewing experience. This was announced by the Qiddiya Investment Company, which is spearheading the project. The company emphasized that this stadium is set to revolutionize traditional stadium designs.
Situated within the Qiddiya City project, approximately 45 kilometers from Riyadh’s center, the stadium is part of a larger initiative to establish a hub for entertainment, gaming, and sports.
One of the unique features of the stadium is its LED wall, which will provide expansive views of the cityscape. The Qiddiya Investment Company, under the chairmanship of the crown prince (commonly referred to as MBS), is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund. This fund, with assets around $700 billion, has made significant investments in various sports ventures, including the LIV Golf project and Newcastle United of the English Premier League.
The new stadium is expected to become the primary venue for Riyadh-based football clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, which recently signed renowned players Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
As the sole contender for hosting the men’s World Cup in 2034, Saudi Arabia anticipates FIFA’s confirmation later this year. The tournament, expanding to 48 teams, requires 14 stadiums, with the futuristic city of Neom also likely to be a part of the World Cup plan.
Environmental concerns have been raised over Saudi Arabia’s large-scale construction projects. The Qiddiya stadium, however, plans to incorporate a lake underneath it for environmental efficiency. This lake will harness rainwater to pre-cool the stadium’s air conditioning system.
Saudi Arabia, also preparing to host the 2027 Asian Cup, aims to hold all 104 matches of the 2034 World Cup within its borders, though neighboring countries might be involved in the project.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first 48-team event. For the 2030 tournament, a multi-continental bid involves Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with the South American countries hosting one game each.
Populous, an international architectural firm with major offices in Kansas City and London, is involved in the design of the new Saudi stadium. They have a portfolio of designing Olympic stadiums in Australia and Russia, and are known for their work on Tottenham’s stadium in the Premier League, which also accommodates NFL games.
