NEOM World Cup stadium plans reportedly shelved

Saudi Arabia has reportedly put the 46,000-seat NEOM Stadium, estimated at $2.5 billion, on indefinite hold for the 2034 World Cup. MEED Projects lists it as on hold with no completion date. The venue was to be built about 350 metres above ground within The Line, a steel-and-glass development reported at about 160 km (also reported as 170 km or 100 miles). Yasir al-Rumayyan said in April that The Line was no longer a priority and not essential before 2030, while denying project cancellations. Saudi Arabia was named 2034 host by FIFA acclamation on December 11, 2024, in Zurich as sole bidder, planning 10 new stadiums and five renovations across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. MEED Projects estimates total World Cup infrastructure projects at $22.7 billion. The World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority said substantial construction milestones were being delivered but did not address NEOM Stadium or its cost. NEOM and the Saudi government media office did not respond to comment requests; the Ministry of Sports redirected questions to the authority. Other work continues: Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar is scheduled for completion by year-end, with a first match in January and tickets on sale, and the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya secured a $221 million MEP contract.