Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming the kingdom’s landscape, and its sports sector is no exception. With the country set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, all eyes are on the ambitious stadium projects that will shape the tournament. From brand-new, state-of-the-art venues to upgraded icons, the kingdom is gearing up to deliver a world-class football experience.

Here’s a closer look at the stadiums set to host the action.

King Fahd Sports City is a multi-purpose stadium situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Designed by Ian Fraser, John Roberts, Michael K.C. Cheah, and Partners, the stadium originally had a seating capacity of 58,398 spectators but it is currently closed for reconstruction, which will expand the seating capacity to approximately 92,000 seats by 2026.

The roof was supported by enormous white, cantilevered arches, which created an image reminiscent of a traditional Bedouin tent.

The stadium masterplan will include a variety of sports facilities, commercial areas and recreational facilities. Inspiration for the design is drawn from the kingdom’s mesmerising natural landscape,  representing a seed that germinates, cracks the earth and emerges as a dynamic yet seemingly natural intervention.

Located in northern Riyadh on King Salman Road, the stadium, is scheduled for completion in 2029 and will host the opening ceremony of the 2034 FIFA World Cup tournament. 

This stadium will sit on the 200-metre high Tuwaiq cliff,  featuring a geometric design, with metallic finishes and LED glass screens. 

Guests will be able to enjoy multiple spectacles in a single day, including football, boxing, esports, concerts and theater performances. State-of-the-art technology like HoloBox will create opportunities for virtual interactions between fans and celebrities, while live event data will be streamed instantly to everyone in the stadium.

Inspired by the peeling bark of native acacia trees, this stadium’s design blends technology with nature. It is scheduled to open in 2032, and will seat over 46,000 people. 

Post the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the stadium will be repurposed for concerts and other large-scale events. 

Featuring a giant crystal formation that glows at night, the ROSHN stadium is a new 46,000-seat stadium. 

It includes a saddle-shaped seating bowl designed to improve shading and ventilation, a parabolic structure for enhanced acoustics, and extensive green spaces, along with shops, restaurants, and hospitality venues. Construction is set to begin in southwest Riyadh in 2028, with completion expected in 2032.

This stadium is undergoing a redesign to accommodate 46,865 spectators. Originally, it hosted the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup in 1972. 

During the 2011–2012 season, it became one of the first venues in the kingdom to implement electronic ticketing for the Saudi Football League. The stadium is named after Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a former Saudi prince.

Also designed by Populous, this 45,000-seat stadium features drought-resistant plants to support water conservation, along with rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels. 

Set to open in 2032, its design is inspired by Salmani architecture, seamlessly blending authenticity, heritage, and modernity. After the FIFA World Cup, the stadium will serve as the home ground for a major football club and host a variety of sports and entertainment events.

Construction of the stadium began in 2011, and it officially opened in May 2015. Refurbishments are scheduled from 2030 to 2032 in preparation for the 2034 World Cup. The upgraded stadium will feature an elliptical, lightweight spoke-wheel roof and strategically positioned amenities to enhance accessibility and meet FIFA standards. 

Situated on the King Saud University campus in western Riyadh, it offers easy access from the city centre. The surrounding area includes additional sports facilities, such as an arena, a swimming pool, and tennis courts, which aligns with the fitness and wellbeing goals of Vision 2030.

Built in 2014 by Arup, this is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest stadium, with a seating capacity of over 57,000. Known as “The Shining Jewel” for its striking faceted design, the stadium is set for renovations to be completed by 2032. 

These upgrades will integrate the latest technology, align with FIFA standards, and complement the existing architecture. Additionally, the venue will host key matches of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, including the group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, and a semifinal.

Designed by Populous, this stadium boasts a striking rainbow-rippled exterior. Set for completion by 2032, the 46,000-seat venue will be located on Jeddah’s northern Red Sea shore as part of the Qiddiya Coast Development, which will also feature sports facilities, hotels, and community spaces. 

To extend its usability beyond the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the stadium will include a removable football pitch, enabling it to host concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and various sporting events.

Inspired by the intricate, maze-like architecture of Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, this 45,000-seat stadium blends tradition with modern technology. 

Designed by German firm GMP in collaboration with Beirut-based Khatib & Alami, the three-tiered structure features four surrounding “villages” that house retail, leisure, and medical facilities. It also boasts a semi-translucent roof and a 360-degree LED screen, enhancing the fan experience.

With an organic design inspired by coral reefs, this 45,000-seat stadium will be constructed along the Red Sea Coast as part of a larger development that includes three hotels, mixed-use community spaces, residential buildings, and a sports clinic. 

Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the stadium is set to open in 2032. The design is led by Manchester-based AFL Architects, who have been commissioned as the primary architects for the project.

Currently under construction near Al Khobar’s Corniche in the city’s north, this 46,000-seat stadium features a swirling design inspired by the “dawwama” whirlpools that form off the local coast during summer. Its architecture includes overlapping “sails” and decorative elements that mirror natural wave patterns. 

A network of public transport links, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways will enhance its integration with the surrounding area. After the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the venue will transition into a professional football club and retail complex.

Located on a university campus southeast of Abha, this existing stadium will undergo a major expansion, increasing its capacity from 22,000 to 45,000 seats for the World Cup. Renovations will begin in 2030, with the revamped venue set to reopen in 2032. 

The project will not only enhance seating capacity but also modernize the stadium’s infrastructure while preserving its historical significance.

This 46,000-seat stadium, set to be built 350 meters above ground, will be seamlessly integrated into the city’s landscape, with its roof becoming a key feature of a sports-oriented neighborhood. During the 2034 FIFA World Cup, it will offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area while incorporating cutting-edge technology, including e-ticket gates and 4K Ultra HD broadcasting. 

In line with Vision 2030 and the Line’s self-sufficient ethos, the stadium will run entirely on renewable wind and solar energy, and its five-minute accessibility model will make it easily reachable on foot. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion set for 2032.