In a whirlwind of announcements that left football fans both excited and mildly disoriented, FIFA recently unveiled the hosts for its upcoming tournaments. The 2030 World Cup will be held across Portugal, Morocco, and Spain, marking a significant moment for global unity in sports. But the real jaw-dropper? FIFA’s decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, signaling the Kingdom’s growing influence in global football.
No sooner had FIFA made its announcement than Saudi Arabia’s official World Cup committee upped the ante, releasing 15 jaw-dropping concept designs for stadiums that look more like futuristic art installations than venues for football.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup is already shaping up to be a mix of Star Wars aesthetics, Black Mirror debates, and a touch of The Sims stadium design. With Saudi Arabia bringing their A-game (and their petrodollars) to the global stage, football fans are gearing up for what feels less like a tournament and more like an episode of Extreme Makeover: Earth Edition.
Let’s break down the jaw-dropping stadium designs, the chef’s kiss fan reactions, and what this means for the future of the beautiful game—or maybe just for the next Bond villain hideout.
Saudi Stadiums for FIFA World Cup 2034
Alright then. First things first, let’s start by learning about all the concept designs for the listed stadiums in this edition of the World Cup, shall we?
New Murabba Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Unknown
Inspired by the bark of an acacia tree, the New Murabba Stadium will feature a unique design surrounded by rock-like forms divided by canyons. According to the bid document, “Its design replicates the layered overlapping planes and peeling planar texture of the bark of the native acacia tree.”
This 45,000-seat stadium will form part of the ambitious Murabba downtown development in northwest Riyadh, which will also include the iconic 400-meter-high cube-shaped skyscraper, Mukaab.
King Salman International Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Populous
Set to host the World Cup final, the King Salman International Stadium will become the largest stadium in Saudi Arabia upon completion, with a capacity of 92,000. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Populous, the stadium’s form is inspired by mountainous landscapes, with landscaped panels encasing the structure.
“The stadium will blend into its surrounding topography, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the stadium’s roof,” according to the bid. This design optimizes shading and ventilation to suit the desert climate.
Roshn Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Unknown
This dynamic structure will resemble numerous crystal-like shards rising into the air. Located to the south of Riyadh, the stadium will be the centerpiece of a larger residential neighborhood.
Designed to integrate with the urban environment, “The stadium is designed as a dynamic part of the urban fabric, encouraging the community to walk around and through the facility,” stated the bid. At night, the crystalline structure will glow, creating a striking visual landmark.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh
Architects: Ian Fraser, John Roberts, Michael KC Cheah; Renovation by Populous
Originally opened in 1987, the King Fahd Sports City Stadium is distinguished by its fabric roof supported by 24 masts, each 58 meters high. Currently undergoing renovation by Populous, the stadium’s capacity will increase from 58,000 to 70,000 ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Populous
Part of the Qiddiya entertainment district, 30 kilometers from Riyadh, this cliffside stadium will feature stands on three sides and a retractable LED wall on the fourth. It will also house an Olympic Museum.
“The bowl has been designed to optimize the spectator experience, featuring a unique three-sided arrangement to allow for spectacular views out towards the Tuwaiq cliffs,” according to the bid.
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Populous
Under construction in east Riyadh, this stadium will draw on traditional architectural motifs from the region’s central cultural heritage.
“The stadium design incorporates ‘culturally contextualized modernism’ principles of Salmani architecture,” stated the bid. Constructed with locally sourced materials, it will include energy-efficient systems such as solar panels on the roof.
South Riyadh Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Populous
Another stadium inspired by Salmani architecture, South Riyadh Stadium will be adorned with reddish-brown vertical fins and topped by a transparent roof.
“The facade blends modernity with the rich architectural language and material palette of the area,” the bid document stated.
King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh
Architect: Michael KC Cheah; Renovation by Populous
This existing stadium will be temporarily expanded to accommodate 46,000 spectators during the World Cup before being reduced to a 33,000-seat capacity post-tournament.
Neom Stadium, Neom
Architect: Unknown
Set within the futuristic city of Neom, the Neom Stadium is described as “the most unique stadium in the world.” The pitch will be situated over 350 meters above ground, with breathtaking views and a roof integrated into the city itself.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah
Architect: Arup
Opened in 2014, this 62,000-seat stadium will undergo refurbishment for the World Cup.
“Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is an elegant, respectful, and versatile complex that combines traditional Islamic architecture with innovative design,” said Arup.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium, Jeddah
Architect: Populous
This vibrant 47,000-seat stadium, located 45 kilometers north of Jeddah, draws inspiration from the ripple effect of a Mexican wave.
“It is designed as a physical representation of the vibrant relationship between people and water, energy, and matter,” according to the bid. Its colorful, wave-like structure reflects the region’s dynamic culture.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium, Jeddah
Architect: GMP Architecten
This 45,000-seat stadium will be part of the Jeddah Central giga project, echoing the historic Al Balad district’s architecture while incorporating cutting-edge technology.
Surrounded by structures designed to resemble historic villages, it will feature a semi-translucent roof with a retractable inner roof and a 360-degree LED screen. The wider development includes an opera house, an arts center, and an oceanarium.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, Jeddah
Architect: Unknown
Located 80 kilometers from Jeddah, this drum-shaped stadium will accommodate 45,000 spectators and be part of a planned city along the Red Sea coast.
Aramco Stadium, Al Khobar
Architects: Foster + Partners and Populous
Inspired by coastal whirlpools, this 47,000-seat stadium will feature sail-like forms and wave motifs, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Expected to be completed in 2026, it will also host the 2027 Asian Cup.
“The stadium’s architecture celebrates the sea’s dynamic nature and its profound influence on the local community,” said the bid.
King Khalid University Stadium, Abha
Renovation by Populous
Originally built in 1987, this stadium in Abha will expand from 12,000 to 45,000 seats for the World Cup.
Fan Reactions: A Rollercoaster of Excitement and Skepticism
The Optimistic Futurists: Ready for the Next Level of Football
Some fans are completely hyped, imagining the futuristic wonderland that Saudi Arabia’s stadiums promise.
“The Kingdom is vast in area, its central cities are sprawling, and the infrastructure is capable of withstanding and accommodating two million pilgrims annually in one small city, and everything is under control. Congratulations.”
This fan sees the big picture. If Saudi Arabia can handle millions of pilgrims flocking to Mecca every year, surely hosting the biggest football tournament on Earth will be a piece of cake, right? Let’s just hope the cake isn’t 50% sand.
“That’s actually nuts. Looks like it’s from the year 3000.”
A simple, but fitting reaction. With these futuristic designs, you can almost imagine aliens landing at these stadiums for the World Cup final. “Hey, humans, show us what you’ve got!” “Here’s our new 350-meter-high arena!”
“The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia is going to be massive. Those stadium concepts look futuristic and stunning. Can’t wait to see football on this scale🌍⚽🔥.”
There’s no doubt that the scale of the 2034 World Cup is going to be monumental. This fan is practically counting the years until the tournament, imagining every match to be a massive spectacle. Forget a regular football game—this is practically the Olympics on steroids (the good kind).
“This actually looks so amazing. Looking forward to the great World Cup. Definitely going to be the biggest one yet.”
Another enthusiastic fan, all in. This one seems convinced that the 2034 World Cup will surpass every previous tournament. It’s clear: big things are coming. But are we ready?
“A new fan experience too. So excited.”
The fan experience is one of the key talking points. After all, it’s not just about the game, but the vibe. And this fan clearly expects the kind of experience that’s only usually seen at the launch of the newest iPhone—interactive, immersive, and hopefully with snacks that don’t cost a fortune.
“They look better than European stadiums.”
A bold claim! But hey, we get it—these stadiums look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Maybe Europe will need to step up its game by 2034, or the rest of the world will catch up with a futuristic vision of football infrastructure.
The Skeptical Crowd – Questioning Reality and Logistics
Not everyone is as optimistic about Saudi Arabia’s bold World Cup plans. Here’s what the doubters had to say:
“Looks like AI-generated sci-fi stadiums.”
This fan is skeptical about the reality of these designs. It’s like they looked at these stadiums and thought, “Sure, but who’s going to actually build these?” These stadiums do look like something you’d see in a sci-fi movie… but will they look that way in real life?
“What’s the point of any of that😂😂”
A classic question. Sometimes, it just feels like the world has gotten way too futuristic, and this fan just wants to know why we need all this spectacle for a game of football. Why not just use an old-school football stadium, right?
“Good question! Why create majestic football stadiums to host the biggest games in the world when we could have them play the World Cup final at Luton’s stadium?”
This reply definitely takes a jab at the extravagance of the stadium designs, comparing them to something much more… modest. Sure, maybe Luton’s stadium could use an upgrade, but this fan’s suggesting a world where grandiose stadiums aren’t required to crown the best in football.
“That’s how they promised us for the Qatar World Cup, We ended up getting a container stadium.”
A bit of cynicism here. This fan brings up Qatar 2022, where there was much hype about innovative stadiums, but many were less than impressed by the end product. So, they’re wary of the grand promises for 2034.
“Can we please not have the summer tournament in place with weather that requires the summer tournament to not be played in the summer?”
Oh, the irony! This fan points out one of the biggest problems with summer World Cups in the Middle East: the heat. You can have all the futuristic tech, but can the air conditioning keep up with 40°C+ heat? (Hopefully, this is addressed, or we might be watching football from the comfort of air-conditioned rooms… on TV).
“What would they do with them after World Cup? No way filling any of these for league matches.”
A realistic concern. These massive stadiums might look good on paper, but once the World Cup’s over, will anyone even want to fill them? This fan questions the long-term viability of these structures, especially for regular league matches.
“These look like Halo maps.”
We’ve all played Halo, right? If not, imagine a video game where the landscapes look like they belong on another planet. This fan’s clearly seeing these stadiums as too futuristic, comparing them to something from a game, where anything is possible.
“Can we please not have the summer tournament in place with weather that requires the summer tournament to not be played in the summer?” (Like after spending so much Saudi won’t have ACs in there or some sort lol)
More skepticism about the heat, mixed with a bit of sarcasm. Will these ultra-modern stadiums have air-conditioning, or are we just going to sweat it out in the stands like a real-life football game from the past?
“Unrealistic, this will kill the game’s original taste.”
This fan seems to think that these futuristic stadiums will detract from what football is really about—passion, tradition, and the beautiful game. Too much spectacle could strip away the game’s soul, in their opinion.
“Hopefully they are built safely with good working conditions, the last thing we want is a Qatar relapse🙏.”
Safety and workers’ rights are a big concern. After the issues with workers’ conditions in Qatar, fans are understandably worried about what’s going to happen in Saudi Arabia. Everyone’s hoping that this time, things will be different.
“After the debacle in Qatar, no middle eastern sports washing nation or shitholes like the US should be allowed to host the world cup. It’s an absolute joke and only 15 year olds who haven’t watched a match live prior to the 2014 world cup would think otherwise🤡”
An intense, fiery opinion on the Middle East hosting football events. This fan’s not just skeptical about the infrastructure—there’s a strong disapproval of political motivations behind hosting the World Cup in regions with controversial reputations.
“Looks really exciting, but once again FIFA are about money money money, and at what cost to human rights and workers rights? How many workers are gonna die this time?”
Another fan pointing out the business side of things. While the stadiums and the World Cup itself sound great, there’s a very real concern over the human cost of these massive projects, especially when workers are involved.
“Hope none I’m hoping you are thinking the same about all those that have died constructing World Cup venues over time. Wonder how many will in South America or Europe too hey. Or how many might have in America with the upcoming World Cup.”
A reply that brings a sense of perspective, pointing out that human suffering has been a part of building stadiums for years, not just in the Middle East. Still, it doesn’t excuse the human rights concerns.
“Looks like where I hold my Pokemon gym battles.”
This is a funny, light-hearted jab at the futuristic designs. These stadiums could easily double as virtual arenas for the next Pokémon championship, right?
“Wow, no emotion or tradition, just soulless spaceships 😍”
A sarcastic take. The fan seems to be mocking the sterile, futuristic aesthetic, suggesting that the stadiums look like soulless spaceships rather than places of passion and tradition.
“Guarantee they won’t look nothing like these renders🤣🤣”
A final, classic bit of skepticism. This fan’s betting that these beautiful renderings won’t match reality, much like many other ambitious architectural projects that fall short of the original vision.
So there you have it! From sci-fi dreams to IKEA showroom vibes, fans’ reactions are as varied as the stadium designs themselves. Stay tuned, because in the next section, we’ll look at how this futuristic spectacle will shape fan experiences—Saudi Arabia style. Get ready for virtual reality, climate-controlled seats, and maybe even drones handing out snacks. Who knows? But we can bet it’ll be a World Cup like no other.
