On 11 December 2024, FIFA officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as host of the 2034 World Cup — the culmination of years of investment that have placed football at the heart of the Kingdom's transformation.
Where will it be played?
Across five cities:
- Riyadh — the capital, hosting the most stadiums.
- Jeddah — the Red Sea gateway.
- NEOM — the futuristic city of Vision 2030.
- Khobar — in the Eastern Province.
- Abha — in the cooler, mountainous south.
In total, 15 stadiums are planned — 10 new and 5 renovated. (Olympics)
The jewel: King Salman International Stadium
The King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh will host the opening and final, with a capacity around 92,000 and completion expected in late 2029. (Wikipedia)
When?
Dates are not yet confirmed — a summer 2034 edition or a November/December slot (like Qatar 2022) remains open, depending on climate and the European calendar.
What it means
Beyond sport, 2034 is a milestone of Vision 2030 — a global rebrand and an economic engine for tourism, infrastructure and a lasting sporting legacy. The biggest dream: to see the Green Falcons shine on home soil. Eight years out, the countdown has already begun.
Follow Malaab Al-An for everything on the road to 2034.