Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern country to host a Fifa World Cup after the kingdom was confirmed as the hosts for the 2034 global finals.
The decision was a mere formality with Saudi Arabia the sole bidders to host the 25th edition of the World Cup.
The tournament will see 48 national teams take part. Here is everything we know so far about the 2034 World Cup.
Which cities will host the tournament?
Saudi Arabia has unveiled a grand plan to host the 2034 World Cup at 15 stadiums across five cities, including eight in the capital, Riyadh.
The five cities set to host the tournament are: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom, the futuristic new city.
Eleven of the 15 stadiums will be newly constructed – including the proposed 92,000-seated King Salman Stadium.
Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser Al Misehal promised host cities would be connected by “state-of-the-art facilities to guarantee an amazing fan experience”.
The bid promises plans to expand airports, introduce high-speed rail links and enhance public transport.
However, the vast distances between stadiums means fans who want to move between host cities are likely to have to rely on air travel.
Which stadiums will host matches?
A total of 15 stadiums will be used, eleven of which will be new.
To host the 48-team World Cup, the kingdom needs 14 all-seater stadiums capable of holding at least 40,000 people. It currently has two: Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City Stadium and Riyadh's King Fahd International Stadium, which is undergoing a major refit.
By the time 2034 arrives, Saudi Arabia is likely to be home to some of the world's leading stadia.
Riyadh
King Salman Stadium (capacity: 92,000)
Plans for the new megalithic King Salman Stadium in Riyadh were unveiled in November complete with a promotional video made with computer-generated imagery to offer a first look at the stadium which is scheduled to be completed in 2029.
The stadium will host the opening match and the final of the 2034 World Cup, and will serve as the main base of the Saudi Arabia national team. It will be part of a sports complex featuring an indoor sports hall, an Olympic-sized pool and other facilities.
Architects Populous say the inspiration for the unique design comes from the Saudi landscape, and represents a seed cracking the earth.
The main stadium will have a gross seating capacity of more than 92,000, with amenities including a royal box, hospitality skyboxes and lounges, 300 VVIP seats, and 2,200 VIP seats. The venue will feature internal screens, gardens and a walking path on its roof with panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium (capacity: 70,200)
The stadium, the second largest to be used at the 2034 World Cup, originally seated 58,398 spectators but is currently undergoing reconstruction that will expand its capacity to approximately 70,200 seats by 2026, ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup, also taking place in Saudi.
Most notably, it features a circular tent-line roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin tent, ideal for keeping fans cool.
South Riyadh Stadium (capacity: 47,060)
The new venue draws from local Salmani architecture which dominates the capital where it blends modern planning with the country’s past.
It will become the home of an as yet unnamed Saudi Pro League side after the 2034 World Cup.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium (capacity: 46,979)
The stadium will offer arguably some of the most spectacular views the country has to offer. Located off the side of a cliff on the edge of the Qiddiya City’s Tuwaiq Mountains, the back of one goal will be a window out to the mountains and city.
Slated to host group, round-of-32, last-16 and the third-place play-off, it features a fully retractable roof, LED wall and climate control, construction on the new stadium is set to start in 2026 and set to open in 2029, becoming the new home of Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium (capacity: 46,865)
Another stadium in the capital undergoing a revamp to meet Fifa requirements for hosting the World Cup.
The historic venue was opened in 1971 but only holds 22,500. Redesign plans include doing away with the athletic track around the pitch and organisers hope renovation will be completed in time to host 2027 Asian Cup matches.
King Saud University Stadium (capacity: 46,319)
Better known as Al Awwal Park, Cristiano Ronaldo has called this place home since joining Al Nassr in 2023 in a move that shocked the world and put Saudi Arabian club football on the map.
Built only in 2011, the stadium has already had several upgrades and will have an increased capacity – it currently holds 25,000 – in time for the World Cup in 12 years' time.
New Murabba Stadium (capacity: 46,010)
Taking its inspiration from nature, the stadium's ridged roof will resemble the native Acacia tree. Located in downtown Riyadh, the new venue is set to begin construction in 2027 before opening in 2032. Will stage group games and round-of-32 fixtures.
Roshn Stadium (capacity: 46,000)
The unique crystalline structure will make for the perfect backdrop for selfie fans. Roshn’s head of commercial, Iain McBride, said: “It’s quite an ambitious design that mirrors the ambition of the country.”
Though still without a contractor, construction is planned to begin in 2028, and the stadium is scheduled to open in 2032 – two years ahead of the World Cup – and will host group games and round-of-32 matches.
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A digital rendering of the planned King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a proposed capacity of 92,000, the stadium is expected to host the opening game and the final. Getty Images -
A digital image of the proposed King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images -
A digital rendering of the interior of the planned King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images -
The proposed King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images -
A model of the proposed Roshn Stadium is seen inside the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition. Reuters -
A model of the proposed New Murabba Stadium displayed at the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition. Reuters -
A model of the proposed King Salman International Stadium. Reuters -
A model of the proposed Aramco Stadium. Reuters -
A model of the proposed Jeddah Central Development Stadium. Reuters -
A model of the proposed King Abdullah Economic City Stadium. Reuters -
A model of the proposed NEOM Stadium. Reuters -
A model of the proposed King Khalid University Stadium. Reuters
Jeddah
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (capacity: 62,345)
Better known as The Jewell, the stadium is the home of Pro League sides Al Ahli and Al Ittihad and was officially opened in May 2014, hosting the King's Cup final between the Red Sea coast's two fiercest rivals.
Has already undergone several renovations and proven itself capable of hosting big international matches. King Abdullah Sports City was the venue as Manchester City completed a record-breaking 2023 by lifting the Fifa Club World Cup, beating Brazil's Fluminense in the final.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium (capacity: 46,096)
The new stadium will run parallel to the Red Sea and is said to take its inspiration from the Mexican wave, with a rippling, undulating effect.
The project is scheduled to be finished in 2032. Unlike other Saudi stadiums, the venue will not host football matches after the World Cup and instead will be turned into an entertainment complex.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium (capacity: 45,794)
Inspired by the Unesco world heritage site Al Balad, the historic town characterised by its wooden Roshan windows and balconies, the new stadium is already under construction in Saudi's second largest city.
As well as the stadium, the reported £15 billion project will feature an opera house, oceanarium, coral farm and a museum. It is expected to be opened in 2030.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium (capacity: 45,700)
Set to break ground in 2027, the coral reef-styled exterior will light up the Jeddah sky in the evenings. Expected to be completed in 2032 before being handed over to one of the city's Pro League teams after the World Cup concludes.
Al Khobar
Aramco Stadium (capacity: 47,000)
Another Populous-designed venue to take its inspiration from nature, with a wave-like roof, referencing its position on the Arabian Gulf.
Construction began on the project this year and is expected to be finished in 2026, ahead of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2027 Asian Cup.
Named after the state-owned petroleum company, the stadium can increase capacity to 55,000 for other events such as concerts.
It will become the home of Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
Abha
King Khalid University Stadium (capacity: 45,428)
The only stadium in Abha will be another rebuild, increasing current capacity from 12,000 to over 45,000.
Currently the home of second tier sides Al Watani and Neom Sports Club.
Neom
Neom Stadium (capacity: 46,010)
The futuristic stadium will be situated 350 metres from the ground on top of ‘The Line’ project.
The proposed stadium in Neom, an as-yet-unbuilt city in the north-west of the country, will only be accessible via high-speed lifts and driverless vehicles.
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The Line is one of the 10 districts of Saudi Arabia's megaproject Neom, envisioned as the world's largest city at a site in the north-west of the kingdom. Photo: Neom -
Plans for The Line show a vertical city encased in mirrored walls, which extends from the Red Sea into the desert. -
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said The Line will "embody how urban communities will be in the future". Photo: Spa -
The plan is for the city to be 170 kilometres long and 500 metres tall. Photo: Neom -
The Line envisions urban living without any cars or roads. Photo: Spa -
“The Line will be the first city in the world to be powered by renewable energy including wind, solar and hydrogen,” Giles Pendleton, executive director of development at The Line in Neom, told 'The National' in August. -
A rendering shows man-made waterfalls inside The Line. Photo: Spa -
The aim is to eventually accommodate nine million people. Photo: Spa -
All amenities would be available within a five-minute walk, officials say. Photo: Spa -
A rendering shows boats entering The Line. Photo: Spa -
A port at The Line. Photo: Spa -
The lush city will have green spaces and rooftop gardens. Photo: Spa -
There will be high-speed rail, with an end-to-end transit of 20 minutes. Photo: Spa -
The Line will be built in the north-western region of Saudi Arabia. Photo: Spa -
The city aims to run on 100 per cent renewable energy. Photo: Spa -
The plan shows that 95 per cent of the land will be preserved for nature. Photo: Spa
Teams
Only one of the 48 teams – 2022 was the last 32-team World Cup – have so far been confirmed for the 2034 edition.
As hosts, Saudi Arabia will automatically qualify for the tournament – the second global finals to be held in the Middle East after Qatar in 2022.
Will the tournament take place in winter?
Governing body Fifa has said it is open to another winter World Cup after publishing an evaluation report ahead of confirming Saudi Arabia's status as hosts.
Neighboring Gulf state Qatar hosted the first winter World Cup in 2022, enabled by a break in the regular club season to allow the finals to be played in November and December.
Fifa’s report highlighted that daytime temperatures in Riyadh in June and July, when the finals are traditionally played, exceed 40º Celsius. The report cited an "elevated risk” in terms of timing because of the kingdom's climate, and said the bid “does not stipulate a proposed window” for the tournament to take place.
“Taking into consideration local climatic conditions as well as the local calendar of sporting and cultural events taking place in 2034, the exercise of identifying the optimal window for the competition brings with it some complexities,” the report stated.
“Nevertheless, the substantial lead-in time to arrive at a men’s international match calendar for 2034 and the flexibility and spirit of collaboration demonstrated by the bidder serve as partially mitigating factors.”
Fifa's report also scores Saudi Arabia’s bid as low risk for sustainability and environmental protection.
Cultural considerations
Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia and there is no suggestion that this will change before the World Cup.
Punishments for drinking alcohol include fines, prison sentences and deportation.
Gambling is also banned in the kingdom while failure to carry personal identification can result in a fine or prison sentence.
In 2019, Saudi Arabia introduced the “Public Decency Law,” which explains what does and does not count as good attire in public for men and women. Loose-fitting clothing that covers to the elbow and below the ankle is recommended for both men and women in public.
Ronaldo, who top scored in the Saudi Pro League in the 2023/24 season, said travelling fans can expect a warm welcome.
He said: "2034 will be the best World Cup ever. It's amazing! The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans and everything and after what I see, I'm more convinced that 2034 will be the best World Cup ever."
