Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup have encountered significant hurdles, with major construction projects facing delays and pressure to reduce costs.
Designs Deemed Too Expensive
The Guardian has learned that the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is pushing to scale back expenditure on the tournament's infrastructure. Several architecture firms that were awarded contracts to design new stadiums have been asked to resubmit their plans after initial designs were judged to be too expensive.
Furthermore, contractors scheduled to begin work next year have been informed that builds will not start on time. There is now widespread speculation within the construction industry that Saudi Arabia may even reduce the total number of stadiums used for the tournament from the 15 venues pledged in its successful bid.
Scale of the Ambition and Current Progress
Saudi Arabia's winning bid, approved by acclamation last December, outlined plans centred on four host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha. The crown jewel was to be the futuristic Neom Stadium, part of the yet-to-be-built 500-metre-high city known as The Line.
The blueprint called for 11 brand new venues and the renovation and expansion of four existing stadiums. High-profile UK-based firms like Foster + Partners and Arup, alongside the American giant Populous, are heavily involved in the designs. While construction has begun on three venues, multiple other projects are now experiencing hold-ups.
Broader Financial Pressures on Vision 2030
The drive for cost savings is linked to a broader slowdown in spending by the PIF, which is heavily reliant on the nation's oil and gas revenues. Lower global oil prices and an oversupply within OPEC have impacted finances. In April, PIF announced plans to cut spending by at least 20% in 2025, affecting mega-projects like Neom, Qiddiya City, and Diriyah.
Nearly all of Saudi's major infrastructure projects fall under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil. While a Saudi source indicated that spending on sport would be prioritised, some World Cup projects are still likely to be affected. The PIF is also the majority owner of Newcastle United and four Saudi Pro League clubs.
With nine years remaining until the tournament is expected to be held in November and December 2034, the PIF has described the situation as business as usual, with many key decisions still pending. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation was approached for comment.
