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Saudi is rapidly transforming into a global powerhouse for sports. Football is seeing a renaissance in the country, but beneath the dazzling headlines lies a deep, multi-generational passion for the beautiful game. That passion is now being amplified by an unprecedented wave of focus on football locally, nationally, and internationally.
The clearest sign of this ambition is Saudi's successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. This monumental undertaking involves developing cutting-edge infrastructure, from state-of-the-art stadiums to expansive fan zones and advanced transport networks; all meticulously planned to deliver an unparalleled global spectacle. In the meantime, Saudi is showcasing its hosting credentials by bringing major European club competitions like the Spanish and Italian Super Cups to its pitches.
Saudi football blends future vision with dynamic present-day action, seeing football's biggest names, from Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. to Karim Benzema and a host of other world-class talents and top coaches, flock to the Saudi Pro League, turbo-charging its quality and global visibility.
This tangible mix of cultural passion, massive development, and clear vision is reshaping the landscape of world football, firmly establishing Saudi as the sport's newest and hottest destination.
This is a story of scale and excitement, and fans everywhere are watching closely. Ready to dive in? Let's go.
Road to 2034: Saudi FIFA World Cup
The biggest prize - Saudi will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and the plans are nothing short of extraordinary. Fifteen stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM are slated to host the World Cup Games. These venues are designed to impress: the 92,000-seat King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh will host the final, Qiddiya will feature a dramatic cliff-top stadium, and NEOM will showcase a futuristic arena like no other. Supporting this infrastructure are 134 training facilities and seventy-three team training camps, ensuring every detail is ready for the world's biggest sporting event.
Visiting fans can expect a journey like no other. Each host city will come alive with dedicated festival zones buzzing with music, food, and entertainment, creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the tournament. Travel will be effortless thanks to Saudi's compact geography, expanded transport links, and the new Riyadh Metro, making it possible to catch multiple matches in different venues on the same day. Riyadh Air, the country's new national airline, will boost connectivity for visitors flying in from around the world. Accommodation will impress, with more than 180,000 hotel rooms planned for the tournament, ranging from budget-friendly stays to luxurious resorts. And it's all future-forward: stadiums and facilities are being designed with climate-adaptive features and powered by renewable energy, promising a sustainable World Cup experience that sets a new global standard.
Fans Who Live for the Game
In Saudi, football is truly a way of life. People here live, breathe, and dream the game, whether they're playing, watching, or debating tactics over a cup of Saudi coffee. Stadiums pack out with roaring fans, drums pounding, and choreographed displays that rival the most passionate football cultures anywhere. This love runs deep, and it has history. The Saudi Pro League began its nationwide format in 1976–77, sparking rivalries that still ignite stadiums today.
The men's national team ranks among Asia's most decorated, with three AFC Asian Cup titles and multiple FIFA World Cup appearances, including a famous Round of 16 run in 1994 and a stunning win over Argentina in 2022. Women's football in Saudi is writing an exciting new chapter, experiencing rapid growth and creating new opportunities for players and fans. The national team, formed in the early 2020s, is preparing for its first AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers in 2026. Saudi's Arab Cup record too reflects growing competitiveness, with semifinal appearances in both recent editions.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Women's Premier League is growing rapidly with major sponsors like Lay's, which has signed a multi-year deal, and integration with leading clubs. This momentum is fueled by significant development at all levels: participation has surged by 195% since 2021, now boasting more than 1,500 registered athletes and over 70,000 girls involved in grassroots programs. Infrastructure is also expanding, with regional training centers growing from one to six, by the 2024–25 season.
This evolution reflects a game that truly belongs to everyone and continues to thrive at every level. The future of the women's game in Saudi looks exceptionally bright and, as it's only just getting started, further fueling an already insatiable appetite for local, international, and soon, World Cup 2034 matches.
Devoted fans show their love by wearing kits, training wear, and getting other official merchandise like collectibles, usually in flagship locations tied to the club's home city and stadium experience. In Riyadh, Al Nassr operates dedicated official outlets, including a main standalone club store in the north of the city and a flagship branch at U Walk, designed as a branded space for the club's identity and star players. Al Hilal in Riyadh and Al Ittihad in Jeddah also run official retail channels (including physical stores in their home cities and their own online stores), ensuring fans can buy licensed merchandise that directly supports the clubs.
Superstar Central: Why Football's Biggest Names Are Calling Saudi Home
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival al-Nassr was the green light for the world's football elite. Suddenly, there was a parade of household names following suit and heading for the Saudi Pro League:N'Golo Kanté, Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and many more. Even top coaches like Steven Gerrard and Roberto Mancini jumped on board, turbo-charging the league's quality, visibility, and fan excitement, making Saudi clubs a force to be reckoned with and their players global social media sensations.
European Cup Extravaganzas
Ever thought you'd see Real Madrid and Barcelona battle it out on Saudi soil? Think again. Saudi has a landmark, multi-year agreement to host Spain's Supercopa de España (the Spanish Super Cup), making it a regular fixture and a European football festival that brings intense Spanish rivalry and world-class talent right to Saudi's pitches. The most recent edition, held in Jeddah, proved to be another blockbuster event, with giants of European football, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Mallorca, delivering a truly global sports spectacle. Bareclona claimed the trophy again for the 16th time in a high-octane, exhilarating game.
And the European party doesn't stop there. Saudi has shown serious love for Italian football too, repeatedly hosting the Supercoppa Italiana (the Italian Super Cup). This annual showcase pits Italy's league and cup champions against each other, and it's been held in Jeddah and Riyadh multiple times since 2018. The latest clash saw Italian giants battling it out for the trophy in Riyadh, with Napoli beating Bologna in the final.
For the Fans
These tournaments transform host cities like Jeddah and Riyadh into vibrant hubs of football frenzy. Beyond the thrilling 90 minutes of play, both cities come alive with match-day magic, rich culture, and buzzing nightlife. Fans immerse themselves in dedicated zones, explore local sights, and soak up the dynamic energy, whether wandering Jeddah's historic streets or experiencing exhilarating football nights under the lights of Alawwal Park in Riyadh. The magic extends far beyond the stadiums, especially in Riyadh, where the cup experience blends seamlessly with Riyadh Season's wonders. Heritage tours, incredible food, futuristic cityscapes, and thrilling adventures add layers to the fan journey. Vibrant fan areas, easy stadium access, and a lively atmosphere ensure a truly unforgettable trip.
What truly elevates these experiences is the profound Saudi welcome. Visitors are honored guests, embraced with warmth, generosity, and respect, symbolized by the offer of Saudi coffee and dates. From friendly faces to a genuine desire to make every stay special, Saudi goes above and beyond. Combined with seamless hosting capabilities, this hospitality creates a safe and open environment where everyone feels at home, ensuring an unforgettable journey from arrival to the final whistle.
Beyond the Game: Explore Saudi's Iconic Hubs & Unforgettable Adventures
And that final whistle is just the beginning. Saudi is a global playground for sports, music, and entertainment, seamlessly blending thrilling events with breathtaking destinations. Riyadh pulses as a colossal hub of concerts, shows, boxing bouts, and golf tournaments, all set against futuristic landmarks and serene escapes. On its outskirts, Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, brings the birthplace of the Saudi state to life with ancient mud-brick palaces and world-class dining.
Jeddah delivers high-octane thrills with Formula 1 racing and electrifying seasonal festivals, alongside the ancient beauty of Historic Jeddah and its famous corniche. For a different escape, the Saudi Red Sea coast offers pristine nature, vibrant coral reefs, and sustainable luxury resorts perfect for diving and kayaking. Inland, AlUla stuns with UNESCO-listed Hegra, unique events like Desert Polo, unparalleled stargazing, and the iconic Maraya Concert Hall. Add the legendary Dakar Rally and the global Esports World Cup, and it's clear Saudi is the ultimate hub for an unforgettable blend of sports, culture, and entertainment.
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