Construction is progressing on the VinFast Trong Dong Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, which is set to become the world's largest stadium with a capacity of 135,000. The venue, named after a traditional Vietnamese bronze drum, will accommodate more than double the number of fans at Liverpool's Anfield.
Project Details and Timeline
Work on the stadium began nine months ago. Officials anticipate it will welcome visitors by July 2027, bringing the opening forward by one year from the initial August 2028 deadline. The project's total cost is estimated at around £28.8bn ($38bn).
The stadium forms the centrepiece of the wider Olympic Sports City development, which Reuters reports will span approximately 22,200 acres on the outskirts of Hanoi.
Construction Progress
Building crews are operating continuous shifts to satisfy an ambitious timetable. The reinforced concrete framework must reach completion by December 2026, following which workers will proceed with fitting the dome system, electrical infrastructure and final touches. The retractable roof is expected to be installed by May 2027.
Recent photographs from the construction site reveal the project is progressing rapidly, with multiple cranes visible. The enormous stadium already features steel columns, believed to be hydraulic jacking towers weighing over 15,000 tonnes and standing 80 metres tall. Their purpose is to hoist the steel arch modules, which will create the stadium's retractable dome, from ground level.
Design and Cultural Significance
Upon completion, it will become the largest roof of its type globally. Plans indicate it will feature a circular gold dome modelled on a trong dong drum, with a diameter of 408 metres. Its design incorporates the patterns of Dong Son bronze drums, regarded as an emblem of ancient Vietnamese heritage.
They symbolise "the spirit of community, strength, and longevity," according to the project's architects. The declared ambition is for the stadium to become "an architectural and cultural icon representing Vietnam in the new era."
Global Standing
Vietnamese officials are optimistic that the venue will position them to bid to host major international events such as the World Cup or the Olympic Games. The planned capacity of 135,000 will comfortably exceed other football venues. The largest football stadium globally is currently the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, which accommodates approximately 114,000 spectators. Morocco's Hassan II Stadium (115,000) ranks second, and is currently being built for the 2030 World Cup.
