Saudi Arabia announces plans for three new stadia for 2027 AFC Asian Cup

Set to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced that it is to build new stadiums in Riyadh, Dammam and within the Qiddiya giga-project.

Set to stage the tournament in a total of eight venues, four other of the Kingdom’s stadiums - King Fahd Stadium, Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium, Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Stadium and Prince Saud Bin Jalawi City will be redeveloped, while King Abdullah Sports City, Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, and King Saud University Stadium will also be updated.

As well as being easily accessible by metro, the Riyadh Stadium in the nation’s capital will have a unique design and the possibility of adjusting its capacity.

In addition, the Saudi Gazette reported that Dammam Stadium will be equipped with modern specifications that are appropriate for the region’s environment, the fan experience, and aesthetic satisfaction.

The Qiddiya Stadium will reportedly be a centrepiece of the under development giga project.

For the redeveloped venues, the running track in the King Fahad Stadium will be removed and more seats will be added to cater to the thousands of fans who will flow into the country for these matches in 2027. In addition, SAFF will set up new facilities within the stadium.

Commenting on the new venues, SAFF President, Yasser Al Misehal stated “all the three state-of-the-art stadiums will be up and running in time for the AFC Asia Cup 2027.

World football governing body FIFA has also announced that Saudi Arabia will also host its 2023 Club World Cup tournament, to be held from 12th to 22nd December, become the sixth country to host the tournament since its inception in 2000.

From 2025, FIFA will stage a 24-team tournament, be held every four years.

Saudi Arabia’s 2023 edition will feature seven-clubs.

Image courtesy of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.