Saudi Arabia have released a number of stadium concepts ahead of their bid to host the 2034 Word Cup.
The Kingdom first announced their intentions to host the storied competition after it was announced by the sport’s governing body that only bidders from Asia or Oceania would be considered for 2034. It was later revealed that Saudi Arabia were the only country to have made a proposal for the tournament.
Following the announcement, the country moved to take the next step in growing their sporting empire, that has seen them move into football, golf, and, perhaps most noticeably, boxing.
But football could be the focus in 10 years’ time, with attention on the Saudi Pro League growing and big money on offer helping the Middle East nation grow their profile in the game.
Hosting a World Cup down the line as that development continues could be the icing on the top of the cake, with a number of stadiums, including one 350ft off the ground, now proposed.
Saudi Arabia have pitched their stadium concepts for their 2034 World Cup bid, including a 92,000 mega-ground in Riyadh
The potential Neom Stadium, meanwhile, could be located 350 metres above ground level
A number of grounds are yet to be made, with some existing but needing construction
In an executive summary presented by the nation, 15 stadiums across five host cities were pitched – some built, some under construction and some planned.
The first host city proposed is Riyadh, which is the capital of the country and he hub of where a number of sporting events in the Kingdom have taken place.
Six stadiums in Riyadh have been proposed for use during the competition, including a 92,760-capacity ground to be completed in 2029 titled the Kind Salman International Stadium.
It, according to the pitch will be the ‘highest capacity in Saudi Arabia, and become a major center for sports and home to the national team’.
Also featuring in the city is the King Fahad Sports City Stadium, currently existing but under refurbishment, which holds over 70,000 people, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, the New Murabba Stadium, the Roshin Stadium and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad City Stadium.
In Jeddah, six more stadiums are proposed – three of which existing or under construction and three of which planned.
In Al Khobar, the under construction Armaco Stadium is presented as a host ground, with the King Khalid University Stadium, which is already located in the south east of Abha, also a potential host ground.
The King Khalid University Stadium is one of the arenas which already exists that could be used in the tournament
The King Fahad Sports City Stadium would be refurbished but would be one of the main grounds in Riyadh
The Armaco Stadium, located in the north of Al Khobar, is already under construction
The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium would undergo reconstruction, to be ready in 2032
The Ne Murabba Stadium is planned to be built by 2032 and would carry quite the design
As far as designs go, the potential Roshn Stadium would deliver like no ground worldwide
Neom, however, could play host to the most eye-catching ground. Pitched to be used up until the quarter-final stage, the Neom Stadium, according to the official bid, will have its pitch ‘situated more than 350 meters above ground’.
‘The stadium will be an experience like no other,’ the words continue. ‘Enwrapped by the city’s infrastructure, the stadium is designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks. After the tournament it will be home to NEOM’s professional football club and the centerpiece of the city’s sporting and active lifestyle program.’
Included in each stadium pitch, meanwhile, is information about each city, including future forecasts in terms of population and tourist numbers and how the country will look in a decade.
The potential rounds to host are also listed with each stadium, with the semi-finals and final set to be held in Riyadh.
Sheik Salman of Bahrain, the most powerful man in Asian football, said of the bid: ‘The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success.’
Sources close to the corridors of power have told Mail Sport: ‘A Saudi World Cup in 2034 isn’t just likely, it’s basically a done deal. Money has talked again, and the event will be worth billions in new cash for FIFA.’
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has insisted the bid is based on ‘growth of people, football and connections around the world’
‘The bid is based primarily on a desire for growth; growth of people, football and connections around the world,’ Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman wrote in the proposal. ‘Hosting the FIFA World Cup is an important step in the growth journey of the sport sector in the Kingdom, which has witnessed great developments and success in recent years.
This has contributed to consolidating its position as an international destination for the most prominent sport events. Hosting the FIFA World Cup™ will culminate the Kingdom’s efforts in the sector.’