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Saudi Arabia, chosen to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, has unveiled plans for the NEOM Sky Stadium, a venue designed to hover 350 meters above the desert.
The stadium is planned to accommodate around 46,000 spectators and will be powered entirely by solar and wind energy. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027, with completion aimed for 2032, though some projections suggest it could extend to 2039.
The Kingdom secured the 2034 hosting rights following a competitive bidding process that assessed infrastructure, economic impact, and innovation.
FIFA awarded the tournament to Saudi Arabia after evaluating stadium plans, transport networks, and urban development projects.
Saudi Arabia officially submitted its letter of intent in October 2023, and as the only candidate, the bid was ratified by acclamation during the extraordinary FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024
The NEOM Sky Stadium, part of the linear smart city The Line, is planned to be a suspended structure above the desert, which, according to Construction Review, would make it the world’s first sky stadium.
The 2034 World Cup is scheduled to take place across the five cities, with 15 stadiums in total. The event is expected to require upgrades in transport, accommodation, and other infrastructure.
If construction stays on schedule, NEOM Sky Stadium will serve as one of the central venues for the tournament.
However, given the scale and complexity of the project, questions remain about whether it can be completed in time, considering financial, logistical, and engineering factors.
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