Saudi Arabia Puts NEOM Stadium Plans on Hold for 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia has decided to put plans for the NEOM Stadium on hold, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The stadium was intended to be a key feature of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, housed within the futuristic development known as The Line in the broader NEOM project. The Line, a 100-mile steel and glass structure, has faced delays and downsizing, prompting the shift in priorities.

The NEOM project was introduced about a decade ago as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of NEOM's owner the Public Investment Fund, previously stated that The Line was no longer a priority and would not be essential before 2030, the original target for its first phase. However, he denied any projects had been cancelled.

Despite the shelving of the stadium plans, the World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority stated that substantial construction milestones for the event were already underway. The Authority did not specifically address questions regarding the NEOM Stadium or its associated costs but shared images of other stadiums under construction. Neither NEOM, the Saudi government media office, nor the Ministry of Sports provided comments on the matter.