The 2026 World Cup stadium wowed supporters, but the arena designs planned for the next two tournaments could be even more impressive.
Riyadh’s King Salman Stadium could host 2034 World Cup final (Image: Getty Images)
If you think this World Cup’s stadiums are great, wait until you see Saudi Arabia’s plans for 2034. Architecture giant Populous has designed stadiums in Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Monterrey and Mexico City, as well as a state-of-the-art training base used by Argentina.
They designed the fan festival venue in Kansas City, where the world headquarters is based, and is expected to draw 270,000 people during the tournament.
Admission is free and it features a 65-foot-tall love heart-shaped gateway that is sure to be one of the most iconic photos for fans. They are also well known for designing Tottenham’s stunning stadium, which is considered one of the best stadiums in the world.
They were then asked to plan Manchester United and were also responsible for Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Additionally, he designed stadiums for Johannesburg in 2010, Natal for the 2014 World Cup, and Lusail Stadium in Qatar in 2022.
But the real surprise is the future. They designed a 115,000-seater stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, for 2030, and a complete redesign of Benfica’s Stadium of Light, which will be reborn four years later.
But Saudi Arabia’s stadium is the most ambitious and spectacular yet. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, which has a capacity of 45,000 people, will be built on the cliff side of Qudiya City and will have stands on three sides, with spectacular views from one end.
Riyadh’s King Salman Stadium has a capacity of 92,000 people and is scheduled to host the World Cup final in 2034. Al Khobar’s Aramco Stadium has a capacity of 47,000 people, but it looks different because its roof is made of sails, stores are used all year round, and it is designed to allow for natural ventilation.
Populous asked to make plans for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Populous chief executive Bruce Miller said: “It’s very special to be able to host Fan Fest here and the backdrop will be very symbolic.” With England already scheduled to play in Boston and potentially Mexico City, Populous chief executive Bruce Miller said: “It’s very special to be able to host Fanfest here and the backdrop will be very symbolic.
There has already been a lot of talk about Arsenal’s stadium redevelopment, with the club considering various options to expand the capacity of the stadium, which opened in 2006.
And you only need to look at the design of Tottenham and World Cup stadiums to realize how much things have changed in the last 20 years.
Although they have not publicly confirmed they are working on plans for Arsenal, Miller added: “The period buildings and stadiums need to be refurbished and fans want to have an experience similar to what they see around the world.”
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