Saudi Arabia’s turn as host of the 2034 World Cup would include NEOM as one of its 15 host cities, according to an official bid submitted to FIFA.

Renderings describing a new 46,000-seat stadium elevated 350 meters (1,150 feet) above the ground and embedded within the superstructure of the planned The Line megacity were made public this week along with 11 other newly built constructions as part of the country’s bid marketing booklet. The 125-page document includes other details of a massive infrastructure plan and 73-strong network of proposed sports training facilities.

An architect for The Line stadium has not been named. A section drawing from the bid book (page 108) indicates that it will take up the superstructure's top levels high up in the air and be surrounded by different 'compounds' that round out the building program. Fans seated in its interior bowl will be bifurcated by hexagonal partitions while a mirrored ceiling beset with LED displays that extends from the city to partially cover the playing surface. 

Construction would begin in 2027 and be completed by 2032. The Line recently backed off its initially stated 170-kilometer (105-mile) dimensions and will now reportedly be just 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long upon the completion of its first phase of construction in 2030. Four other stadiums will be refurbished through the uncontested World Cup bid. One of the new proposed constructions — a boxy cliffside stadium with seating for 45,000 people — will be built by Populous in Qiddiya City.

The booklet includes a Human Rights strategy insert with details about the country's plans to ensure fair labor practices and fight against discrimination. This is important given the recent track record in the ramp-up to hosting the 2022 World Cup by neighboring Qatar, which has been well-documented to include scores of migrant worker deaths and other abuses. 

The 2034 World Cup will most likely be held in the winter months. Saudi Arabia's bid is expected to be formally approved at the FIFA Congress on December 11th, 2024.