2034 World Cup Stadiums set to transform RSL

The Roshn Saudi League is transforming before our very eyes in so many different ways, the most notable of which is the influx of top-end talent from all corners of the world.

But what is also changing is the fields of battle, the actual stadiums the games are played in.

Last year saw Al Fateh, Al Shabab and Al Ettifaq open new grounds as part of an infrastructure revolution that will only increase should Saudi Arabia officially be awarded the rights to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.

At the end of July, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation officially unveiled its Bid Book, and with it the 15 glistening stadiums that will transform how football is experienced in the country - from the national team to the RSL, which will benefit from a surfeit of state-of-the-art stadiums for its clubs across the country.

As the RSL pauses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, we cast an eye forward to see how the top flight might look with the ambitious FIFA World Cup 2034 project in mind.

The 15 stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM are detailed below. Just imagine taking in a matchday at one of these.

King Salman International Stadium (Riyadh)

The 92,000-capacity stadium, situated in northeast Riyadh, close to the airport, will become the country’s largest stadium - and also one of its most striking, blending into the natural terrain and habitat with its unique design. Destined to host the FIFA World Cup 2034’s opening game and final, the stadium will become the future home of the national team.

King Fahad Sports City Stadium (Riyadh)

Already arguably the country’s most iconic venue, the King Fahad Sports City Stadium has played host to some of the biggest events in Saudi football history. Currently undergoing a full-scale renovation, the 70,000-capacity venue will continue to host major football events, as well as concerts and festivals.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium (Riyadh/Qiddiya)

One of the most ambitious and technologically advanced stadiums, perched on a cliff face overlooking the spectacular Tuwaiq ridge, the 46,000-capacity stadium is situated 35km southwest of Riyadh. Due to be completed by 2029, the stadium is slated to be the future home of both Al Hilal and Al Nassr.

Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium (Riyadh)

Due to begin redevelopment this year to be ready for the hosting of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium draws its design from the “culturally contextualised modernism” principles of Salmani architecture. With a capacity nearing 47,000, it will become home to one of Riyadh’s RSL clubs.

South Riyadh Stadium (Riyadh)

A brand new 47,000-capacity stadium in southwest Riyadh, like the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium, it also draws its design from the “culturally contextualised modernism” principles of Salmani architecture. Due to be completed in 2032, after the FIFA World Cup 2034 it will become the new home of one of Riyadh’s professional football clubs.

King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh

Currently the home of Al Nassr, King Saud University Stadium will temporarily be expanded from 27,000 to 46,000 capacity for the FIFA World Cup 2034. Situated in the west of Riyadh, the stadium has played host to major events such as the Spanish Super Cup and AFC Champions League, and after the FIFA World Cup 2034, will be used for university sport, community use and women’s football.

New Murabba Stadium (Riyadh)

Located in northwest Riyadh, and with a capacity if 46,000, the New Murabba Stadium’s design replicates the layered overlapping planes and peeling planar texture of the bark of the native acacia tree. After the FIFA World Cup 2034, it will become a community and entertainment hub.

Roshn Stadium (Riyadh)

The Roshn Stadium’s unique “crystalline” structure, a delicate latticework that will glow in the night sky, makes this another jewel in the crown for the FIFA World Cup 2034. It will eventually become the heart of the community, transformed into a retail, dining and entertainment hub, anchoring a community with green spaces and public squares, promoting a lifestyle based on cultural activities and social connections.

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Jeddah)

Known as “The Shining Jewel”, King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is already one of the country’s major sporting arenas and home to Jeddah giants, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. Requiring only modest refurbishments ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2034, the stadium will continue to play host to major national-team fixtures after the tournament is concluded.

Jeddah Central Development Stadium (Jeddah)

Situated in southwest Jeddah, the 45,000-capacity stadium will be the heart of the new development and is designed based on the traditional architecture of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district - an instantly iconic design. Due to be completed in 2027, ahead of the AFC Asian Cup, the stadium will become home to two professional football clubs.

Qiddiya Coast Stadium (Jeddah)

Located north of Jeddah, the Qiddiya Coast Stadium will be situated at the heart of the Qiddiya Coast Development. Designed as a physical representation of the relationship between people and water, energy and matter, its design also evokes the ripple effect of a “Mexican wave” and have a capacity of 46,000. After the FIFA World Cup 2034, it will be used as a multi-purpose entertainment venue.

King Abdullah Economic City Stadium (Jeddah)

The 45,000-capacity stadium will serve the vibrant emerging King Abdullah Economic City area on the Red Sea Coast north of Jeddah, with its design inspired by how local Red Sea coral reefs grow and adapt. After the FIFA World Cup 2034, the stadium will be used for football, concerts and exhibitions, while the entire precinct will emphasise community spaces.

Aramco Stadium (Al Khobar)

On the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the spectacular Aramco Stadium celebrates the seaʼs dynamic nature and profound influence on the local community. Its whirlpool-shaped design (a reference to the Dawwama that occurs just off the coastline during summer months) mimics overlapping sails and draws on natural wave motifs, to blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape. Currently under construction, and due to be completed by 2026, the stadium will become home of Al Qadsiah.

King Khalid University Stadium (Abha)

Situated on the campus of King Khalid University, southeast of Abha, the stadium will undergo a temporary transformation to increase capacity to 45,000 for the FIFA World Cup 2034. While many of the modifications will be temporary, the stadium will maintain several key improvements, including a new western stand, and will be home to a professional football club from the region.

NEOM Stadium (NEOM)

When completed, NEOM Stadium will become the most unique stadium in the world. Situated more than 350 meters above the ground, thus offering stunning vistas and a roof created from the

city itself, the stadium will be an experience like no other. It will represent a signature landmark of THE LINE. After the FIFA World Cup 2034, it will be the home of NEOM SC and both their men’s and women’s clubs.