Saudi Arabia unveil 11 new futuristic stadium concepts in their bid to host 2034 World Cup… with a 92,000-capacity mega-ground put ahead to host the final – and a pitch 350ft above the ground also in the pipeline

Saudi Arabia has released a number of stadium concepts in preparation for hosting the 2034 World Cup.

The kingdom first announced its intentions to host the legendary competition after the sports governing body announced that only bidders from Asia or Oceania would be considered for 2034. It was later revealed that Saudi Arabia was the only country to have submitted a proposal for the tournament.

Following the announcement, the country took the next step in growing their sporting empire, focusing on football, golf and, perhaps most notably, boxing.

But in 10 years’ time, football could be the focus, with more attention paid to the Saudi Pro League and plenty of money available to help the Middle Eastern country boost its profile in the sport.

Hosting a World Cup in the future, while that development continues, could be the icing on the cake. There are already several stadiums in the planning, including one at 107 meters high.

The potential Neom stadium, meanwhile, could be built 350 metres above ground level

There are still a number of sites to be developed, some of which already exist but have yet to be built

In a summary presented by the country, 15 stadiums in five host cities were proposed – some built, some under construction and some planned.

The first proposed host city is Riyadh, the country’s capital and the centre for a number of sporting events in the kingdom.

Six stadiums in Riyadh have been proposed for use in the competition, including a 92,760-capacity stadium due for completion in 2029 and to be named Kind Salman International Stadium.

According to the stadium, it will have the “largest capacity in Saudi Arabia” and will become a major sporting venue and home to the national team.

Other places of interest in the city include the King Fahad Sports City Stadium, which still exists but is being renovated and can seat 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.

Six additional stadiums are planned in Jeddah, three of which exist or are under construction and three are planned.

In Al Khobar, the Armaco Stadium, which is still under construction, is being presented as a host stadium, and the King Khalid University Stadium, which is already located in the southeast of Abha, could also be a potential host stadium.

The King Khalid University Stadium is one of the arenas that already exists and can be used for the tournament.

The King Fahad Sports City Stadium would be renovated but would become one of the main stadiums in Riyadh

The Armaco Stadium, located in the north of Al Khobar, is already under construction

The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be renovated and will be completed in 2032

Ne Murabba Stadium is scheduled to be built in 2032 and its design will be quite impressive.

In terms of design, the potential of Roshn Stadium would be better than any other stadium in the world

Neom, however, could host the most eye-catching ground. The Neom stadium is designed to be used until the quarter-finals and according to the official bid, the pitch will be “more than 350 meters above the ground.”

‘The stadium will be an experience like no other,’ the words continue. ‘Surrounded 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 centrepiece of the city’s sporting and active lifestyle programme.’

In each stadium field you will find information about the city, such as forecasts about the population size, the number of tourists and what the country will look like in ten years.

Each stadium also lists which rounds may be played. The semi-finals and final will be held in Riyadh.

Sheikh Salman of Bahrain, the most powerful man in Asian football, said of the bid: “The entire Asian football family will be united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are determined to work closely with the global football family to ensure its success.”

Sources close to the centres of power have told Mail Sport: ‘A Saudi World Cup in 2034 is not just likely, it is effectively a done deal. Money has talked again and the event will be worth billions in new money to FIFA.’

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has insisted the bid is based on “the growth of people, football and connections around the world”

“The bid is primarily based 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 of the Kingdom’s sports sector, which has seen great development and success in recent years.

This has helped consolidate its position as an international destination for the most prominent sporting events. Hosting the FIFA World Cup™ will culminate the Kingdom’s efforts in the sector.’