About the Tournament
The 24th FIFA World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from 10 February to 22 March 2034 — the first time the tournament has been hosted in the Arabian Peninsula outside Qatar, and a landmark moment for football in the Arab world.
A New Era for Football
The 2034 World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across 104 matches — the expanded format introduced at the 2026 tournament. The group stage will see 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32.
The tournament runs from 10 February to 22 March 2034 — dates specifically chosen to avoid Saudi Arabia's extreme summer heat. February and March offer ideal conditions across all five host cities, with temperatures ranging from a cool 10°C in the Abha mountains to a warm 28°C on the Jeddah coast.
The Opening Match and the Final will both be held at the new $2.7 billion flagship King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh — a 92,000-seat arena that will be one of the largest and most technologically advanced football venues in the world.
The Four Pillars of the Bid
World-Class Infrastructure
Up to 15 new and renovated stadiums, expanded airports, a new national rail network, and hundreds of thousands of new hotel rooms. Saudi Arabia is investing over $500 billion in tournament infrastructure.
Vision 2034
The World Cup is the centrepiece of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2034 programme — a sweeping transformation of the Kingdom's economy, society and global standing. Sport is central to that vision.
Football Passion
Saudi Arabia's domestic league has exploded in global profile. The Kingdom's investment in football at every level — from grassroots to the Saudi Pro League — reflects a genuine national passion for the game.
Sustainability
Saudi Arabia has committed to the most sustainable World Cup in history. NEOM's zero-carbon stadium, solar-powered venues, and a comprehensive environmental programme underpin the bid.
How the Tournament Works
Group Stage
72 matches12 groups of 4 teams. Top 2 from each group qualify. Best 8 third-placed teams also advance. 72 matches total.
Round of 32
16 matches32 teams compete in single-elimination knockout matches. 16 matches played across all host cities.
Round of 16
8 matches16 teams remain. The tournament begins to take shape as the world's best nations battle for a quarter-final place.
Quarter-Finals
4 matches8 teams. 4 matches. The last eight nations standing compete for a place in the semi-finals.
Semi-Finals
2 matchesThe final four. Two matches in Riyadh and Jeddah determine who will contest the Final.
Third Place & Final
2 matchesThe bronze medal match and the Final — both at King Salman International Stadium, Riyadh.