Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambitious Plans for 2034 World Cup Stadiums

 

Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambitious Plans for 2034 World Cup Stadiums

Saudi Arabia has submitted an extraordinary proposal to build 11 new stadiums, including one located 350 metres above ground level, as part of its bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The proposed high-altitude stadium will be situated in Neom, a futuristic city yet to be constructed in the north-west of the country. This innovative arena will be accessible solely via high-speed lifts and driverless vehicles.

The stadium in Neom is part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious 'The Line' project, which aims to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil. This cutting-edge venue is set to host a quarter-final match, showcasing the nation's commitment to blending advanced technology with world-class sporting events.

With Saudi Arabia's bid uncontested, the country had until October's deadline to submit its detailed plans. Among the 11 new stadiums, eight will be located in the capital, Riyadh. This includes the 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium, designated to host both the opening game and the final.

In addition to Riyadh, the cities of Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha will also host matches, ensuring widespread participation across the nation. The 2034 World Cup will mark the first time the expanded 48-team tournament is held in a single country, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's readiness to accommodate the larger format.

The hosts for the 2034 World Cup are set to be confirmed by the FIFA congress on December 11, where Saudi Arabia's bold and innovative plans will be put to the final test. If successful, this World Cup could redefine the standards for future tournaments, blending state-of-the-art facilities with unprecedented architectural feats.