Saudi Arabia's construction of stadiums for the 2034 World Cup is facing delays due to the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) desire to scale back costs, according to industry sources. Several architecture firms have been asked to resubmit plans after their designs were deemed too expensive, and contractors due to start work next year have been told the build will not begin on time.
There is widespread speculation that Saudi Arabia may reduce the number of stadiums from the 15 included in its bid, which was approved by Fifa last December. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar used eight stadiums, while next year's tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada will have 16 venues for 48 teams.
Saudi Arabia's plans are based around four cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Abha—and Neom Stadium, to be built in the futuristic mega-project known as The Line. Eleven new venues are planned, with four stadiums to be renovated. UK-based firms Foster + Partners and Arup, and US firm Populous are heavily involved in design.
Construction of three venues has begun, but several builds are facing delays. Architecture firms have been asked to resubmit tenders or reduce costs due to a slowdown in PIF spending linked to lower oil prices. One company may lose its contract if it does not produce significant cost savings.
PIF views the situation as business as usual, with nine years remaining before the tournament, expected in November and December 2034. Most capital infrastructure projects fall under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, financed by PIF, which relies on oil and gas revenues. PIF announced plans in April to cut spending by at least 20% in 2025, affecting mega-projects like Neom.
