Saudi Arabia Reportedly Shelves NEOM Stadium Plan for 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia has reportedly put plans for NEOM Stadium on hold indefinitely, following delays and a reduction in the scale of the development intended to accommodate it.

According to reports citing two sources familiar with the matter, the proposed venue’s future is now uncertain.

Stadium Was Planned Within The Line

The arena was designed as part of The Line, the futuristic development within the broader NEOM project.

Its unusual concept placed the football pitch approximately 350 metres above ground level. The proposal envisaged a venue with around 46,000 seats.

NEOM forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, which aims to diversify the country’s economy.

Reported Pause Follows Changing Priorities

The reported stadium decision comes after Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan said in April that The Line was no longer a priority for delivery before 2030.

At that time, he denied that projects had been cancelled.

The latest account describes an indefinite pause. It does not establish a publicly confirmed replacement venue or a revised construction timetable.

Saudi Arabia Remains the 2034 Host

Saudi Arabia was formally appointed to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup in December 2024.

Its original proposal included 15 stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al Khobar and NEOM.

The reported change concerns one stadium proposal. Any resulting adjustments to the tournament’s venue arrangements will require further confirmation.