World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia Mobilizes Its Resources and Expertise to Present an Exceptional Edition That Will Astonish the World
A "Supreme Committee" chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to oversee all preparations and arrangements
15 world-class stadiums across 5 major cities
48 teams… and 132 training camps in 15 cities
324,000 fans in 10 dedicated fan festival sites
Saudi Arabia's bid receives the highest technical rating in FIFA history
Saudi Embassy Media Section in Cairo, Monday, December 23, 2024
Broadcast: Saudi Arabia has charted an ambitious and innovative course towards a more prosperous future, guided by Vision 2030. Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a national priority, with the country intending to organize an extraordinary edition that reflects its commitment to becoming a new destination for sports and athletes, as well as a key international hub for global tourism. This is supported by strategic plans based on the geographical diversity of the country’s various regions and cities.
It was not surprising to many who have followed the remarkable transformation of the sports sector, under the generous patronage of the Saudi leadership, that Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 received the highest-ever technical evaluation in FIFA’s history, with a score of 419.8 out of 500.
The Supreme Committee for Hosting the World Cup
Following the announcement by FIFA of Saudi Arabia’s victory in hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and as a reflection of the unprecedented support and interest the Saudi sports sector receives from its leadership, the country established the "Supreme Committee for Hosting the 2034 World Cup," chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This committee reaffirms the Kingdom’s determination to present an exceptional edition of the most important global football event, hosting 48 teams from all continents—marking the first time in history that a single nation will host the largest edition of the tournament, after the new system was approved by FIFA.
The committee includes a distinguished group of key Saudi officials, such as Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of the Interior, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, Minister of State and Member of the Economic and Development Affairs Council, Mohammed Al-Sheikh, and others.
5 Major Cities
Hosting the world’s most significant sporting event represents a strategic milestone, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a global competitive destination for the largest international sporting events. It also boosts its regional and global presence on the economic, tourism, entertainment, and cultural maps, while showcasing its rich heritage and deep cultural identity.
The World Cup experience offers exceptional opportunities for participants and fans to explore a wide range of cultural and natural sites across Saudi Arabia, which boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, there are major projects providing unique tourism destinations, along with complete convenience in transportation options via 16 international airports, extensive road and rail networks, and public transportation systems, allowing seamless movement between various regions.
Riyadh, as the capital and largest city in terms of both area and population, will be at the forefront of the event. It is also preparing to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, Expo 2030, and the 2034 Asian Games.
Jeddah will offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with its historical district, unique architectural style, and amazing music and tourism events.
Khobar, a significant tourist destination, will host the King Abdulaziz Port and feature several historical, cultural, and tourist landmarks.
In the southern part of the country, Abha, a major tourism center, offers diverse landscapes and unique weather, making it one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most prominent tourist spots.
Neom, located on the northwestern coast, embodies the innovative projects of Vision 2030, with "The Line" city as one of its most groundbreaking developments.
Other cities like Al-Baha, Jizan, Taif, Medina, Al-Ula, Umluj, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Ahsa, and Buraidah will also play significant roles in offering diverse experiences to visitors and supporting the World Cup.
15 World-Class Stadiums
Stadiums are the cornerstone of any world-class tournament, and for Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid, the Kingdom has committed to building 11 entirely new stadiums and developing 4 existing ones across five major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and Neom. These stadiums are designed to provide optimal comfort, practicality, and exceptional experiences, all while adhering to both local and international standards, with sustainability as a core principle in their design and construction.
Riyadh will host eight stadiums, including the King Salman Stadium, which has a capacity of over 92,000 spectators and will host the opening and final matches. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, located in Al-Qiddiya, is set to become a global architectural masterpiece with a futuristic design and stunning views of Mount Tuwaiq.
Other notable stadiums in Riyadh include King Fahd International Stadium, which will be upgraded to hold over 70,000 spectators, Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, and several others, each designed with a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
In Jeddah, the King Abdullah Sports City "The Jewel" stadium is an architectural marvel with a capacity of over 58,000. The Coastal stadium in King Abdullah Economic City will have a design inspired by the Red Sea coral reefs.
Khobar’s Aramco Stadium will feature dynamic design elements inspired by the sea, and Abha’s King Khalid University Stadium will expand to accommodate over 45,000 spectators.
The Neom Stadium will be one of the most unique stadiums globally, perched over 350 meters high in the "The Line" development, combining renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
10 Supporting Cities
In addition to the five main host cities, the World Cup will involve 10 supporting cities, which will house some of the teams' training camps during the tournament. These cities feature tourism-rich regions that will offer participating teams and fans the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s heritage and enjoy exceptional tourist experiences.
There will be 132 training sites across 15 cities, including 72 designated for team training, plus additional venues for referees.
FIFA Fan Festival
Fans from around the world will enjoy an extraordinary experience at the FIFA Fan Festival™, which will bring vibrant entertainment across various sites. The Fan Festival will be a hub for celebrating football, where fans can share unforgettable moments.
Over 324,000 fans will be accommodated across 10 fan festival sites in the five host cities. Riyadh’s King Salman Park, the world’s largest urban park, and the Qiddiya Festival Plaza, overlooking stunning mountainous landscapes, will be among the top fan zones. Other fan locations will be spread across Jeddah, Abha, and Neom.
Joy for the Saudi People
The Saudi people eagerly await the day when their country will be at the heart of the world's largest football event. Hosting the World Cup is not just about organizing a sporting event but is also a reflection of the aspirations of the Saudi people and their belief in their ability to present an exceptional tournament that will remain etched in the memories of football fans worldwide.
Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia, and it has seen significant development in recent years, thanks to initiatives under Vision 2030. The Kingdom has attracted international football stars, increasing fan engagement and passion for the sport. This is reflected in the high attendance at the Saudi Pro League, which saw over 2.4 million spectators in the 2023-2024 season.