The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia: Everything We Know So Far

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034 is now official. The remaining details are gradually taking shape for fans and travelers. This guide covers the hosting decision, cities, stadiums, expected timing, and what you can do now.

FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia: Key Facts and Figures

The Saudi bid is built around a few key figures that show the scale of the event before you start planning:

• Host country: Saudi Arabia will host the tournament for the first time, becoming the second country on the Arabian Peninsula to do so after Qatar.
• Decision date: December 11, 2024, at an extraordinary FIFA Congress.
• Number of teams: 48, making this the first expanded edition hosted entirely by a single country.
• Number of stadiums: 15 across five cities.
• Main stadium: King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, with a capacity of more than 92,000 spectators, designated for the opening match and final.
• Bid evaluation score: 419.8 out of 500, the highest recorded for a hosting bid to date.
• Official slogan: “Growing. Together.”

Further details are available on the official Saudi 2034 bid website. The tournament also fits into a wider story of rising destinations covered in our travel guide: [Best Travel Destinations in 2026: Top Trending Picks].

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Hosting World Cup 2034: How Did Saudi Arabia Secure the Tournament?

The process was shorter than many might expect. These were the main stages:

• FIFA limited bidding for the 2034 edition to Asia and Oceania under its continental rotation policy.
• Saudi Arabia announced its bid, while Australia later decided not to submit one, leaving the Kingdom as the sole candidate.
• Member associations made the decision by vote at an extraordinary online Congress.
• FIFA’s evaluation report indicated that climate conditions favored a tournament window between October and April.
• The same report rated the stadium projects as medium risk because of the scale of construction required.

Hosting FIFA World Cup 2034 was therefore the outcome of a clear administrative process rather than an unexpected sporting decision. It is now a major driver of transport and hospitality projects across the Kingdom.

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When Will the Tournament Take Place? Confirmed Facts and Possible Dates

This is one of the main questions travelers ask, and the honest answer is that the dates have not yet been settled:

• FIFA has not officially announced the match dates.
• A June or July tournament is highly unlikely because of the high temperatures.
• A November and December 2034 window would overlap with Ramadan, which astronomical calculations place roughly between mid-November and mid-December.
• A January and February 2034 window would clash with the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
• Riyadh is a candidate to host the Asian Games in late 2034, adding another factor to the scheduling equation.
• Several media reports suggest the tournament could extend into early 2035, but FIFA has neither confirmed nor ruled out this scenario.

Practical tip: Do not book an extended period of annual leave around an unconfirmed date. Wait for the official announcement, and use this time to follow updates and explore the host cities during their current tourism seasons.

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The Five Host Cities and What Makes Each One Different

Matches will be spread across several cities, opening up different ways to plan your trip:

• Riyadh: The capital and the tournament’s main hub, with eight stadiums. Its attractions include Diriyah and the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, and modern entertainment districts.
• Jeddah: Home to four stadiums, the UNESCO-listed historic district of Al-Balad, and a long corniche along the Red Sea.
• Al Khobar: An Eastern Province destination with a coastal setting, close to the land crossing to Bahrain, and home to the new Aramco Stadium.
• Abha: A mountain destination in the Aseer region, known for its mild weather. It suits travelers looking for landscapes very different from the usual image of the Saudi desert.
• NEOM: The World Cup 2034 bid presents NEOM as a future destination on the Red Sea coast. It proposes NEOM Stadium, with capacity for more than 46,000 spectators and a design elevated above ground level. Wait for official updates before building a final itinerary around it.

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World Cup 2034 Stadiums: A Quick Overview

Before exploring each venue in detail, here is the overall picture:

• The tournament will use 15 stadiums: eight in Riyadh, four in Jeddah, and one each in Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM.
• Eleven stadiums will be entirely new, alongside four existing venues undergoing upgrades and capacity increases.
• King Salman International Stadium will be the largest and is planned to become the Saudi national team’s new home after the tournament.
• Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya features a tiered design overlooking the Tuwaiq cliffs.
• King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah is one of the main existing venues included in the plan.
• NEOM Stadium is the most controversial proposal, with an elevated design inside THE LINE that remains a project on paper.

We will cover each stadium’s capacity, location, and planned match stages in a dedicated guide: [A Tour of the 2034 World Cup Stadiums in Saudi Arabia].

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Choosing the Right Hotel

Set your priorities before comparing hotel names:

1. How easily you can reach the stadium and get back after the match.
2. Cancellation and amendment policies, including the dates on which they apply.
3. Room type and the maximum number of guests allowed.
4. The final cost, including breakfast and any fees shown when booking.

To explore accommodation currently available in the capital, start with our guide to luxurious and most-booked hotels in Riyadh.

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Getting Around Saudi Arabia During the Tournament

The host cities are far apart, so traveling between them calls for early planning:

• Riyadh Metro: Six lines covering 176 km. Phased operations began on December 1, 2024, and the rollout was completed on January 5, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The network connects the airport, Al Olaya, Al Batha, and the financial district, while the Red Line reaches King Fahad Sports City.
• Haramain High Speed Railway: Connects Jeddah, Madinah, and Makkah, with a station inside King Abdulaziz International Airport.
• Domestic flights: The fastest option between Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Abha. You can compare flights and choose different airlines for your outbound and return journeys with Mixfly.
• Main airports: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
• Additional airport services: Booking airport transportation in advance can save considerable time on busy event days.

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Visas and Entry to Saudi Arabia

Current requirements are clear, although they may change before the tournament:

• Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can enter Saudi Arabia using their national identity cards.
• Citizens of around 66 countries can apply for a tourist eVisa through the official Saudi eVisa portal. It is valid for one year, permits multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• The visa covers tourism, visits to relatives, event attendance, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. It does not permit work or study.
• Visas on arrival are available to certain categories of travelers at major international airports.
• No special entry scheme for tournament fans has been announced, so the general requirements remain the reference point.

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Tickets and Early Planning: What Can You Do Now?

• Tickets for FIFA World Cup 2034 have not gone on sale, and FIFA has not announced a sales timetable.
• FIFA usually opens registration and sales relatively close to the tournament, rather than years in advance.
• Avoid providers currently selling “guaranteed packages” for matches or hotels, as no official program is available yet.
• A useful step now is to visit one of the host cities before the crowds arrive and monitor flight and accommodation prices during major event seasons.
• Once the booking process is announced, we will explain it in a dedicated article: [World Cup 2034 Tickets and Booking Guide].

Conclusion

There are still years to go, but a well-planned trip starts with reliable information. Follow updates on FIFA World Cup 2034 and begin exploring Riyadh or Jeddah before tournament crowds arrive. Compare flights and book your stay through the almatar website or app to start discovering the host cities now.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will FIFA World Cup 2034 take place?

FIFA has not officially announced the dates. Summer is unlikely because of the heat, while reports suggest a winter window that could extend into early 2035.

How many stadiums will host the tournament, and where are they?

Fifteen stadiums are planned across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. Eleven of them will be newly built.

Why was Saudi Arabia chosen to host World Cup 2034?

It was the sole candidate after Australia withdrew, and its bid received the highest evaluation score recorded for a hosting bid, supported by extensive stadium and accommodation plans.

Have ticket sales started?

No, and the sales timetable has not been announced. Any offer selling tickets today is unofficial, so it is best to wait for authorized announcements.

Do I need a visa to attend the tournament in Saudi Arabia?

GCC citizens can enter using their national identity cards, while citizens of around 66 countries can apply for an eVisa through the official portal. Check the applicable requirements before booking.

Additional Articles to Read: 

• Riyadh Hosts the World at Expo 2030
• Famous Tourist Attractions in Saudi Arabia
• Facts About Saudi Arabia: Cultural Heritage and Traditions