Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious 2034 World Cup Bid: A Futuristic Stadium Hub
In a bold move, Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to build 11 new stadiums, including one 350 meters above ground level in the yet-to-be-built city of NEOM, as part of its bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup. This unprecedented endeavor aims to host the first-ever 48-team tournament across five proposed host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM.
The most intriguing venue is NEOM, a futuristic city located on the Red Sea, currently under construction. The area will feature a 46,000-capacity stadium, situated 350 meters above ground, with the city offering high-speed railway networks and advanced, electric forms of transport. This stadium will reportedly "run entirely on renewable energy, generated primarily from wind and solar sources" and will only be reachable by high-speed lifts and driverless vehicles.
The website of Saudi2034, the country’s official bid, boasts that the stadium will be "the most unique in the world" with a pitch situated more than 350 meters above ground and a roof created from the city itself. After the tournament, it will be home to a professional football club and the centerpiece of the city’s sporting and active lifestyle program.
Another notable venue is the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a 45,000-seater stadium built into a cliff edge in Riyadh. The stadium’s materials, including iridescent glass and shimmering metal, contribute to a futuristic aesthetic. It will be used in the group stage, round of 32, round of 16, and third-place play-off.
Jeddah, the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and home to the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, will boast four proposed stadiums, including the Qiddiya Coast arena, designed to evoke the ripple effect of a ‘Mexican wave’.
Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the sole candidate to host the 2034 World Cup last October, after Australia decided against submitting a bid. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Saudi’s minister for sport, has released a statement on their bid, saying, "Together, we are working towards materialising Saudi Arabia’s dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup into a tangible reality – as outlined within our official bid book… These plans will combine our rich football heritage with our deep passion for the game and will ensure Saudi Arabia’s success as the first nation to host a 48-team tournament in one country.”
With this ambitious bid, Saudi Arabia aims to make history and showcase its commitment to football and innovation. Whether they succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this will be a World Cup like no other.
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