Saudi Arabia is set to build three new stadiums and give a major overhaul to four others ahead of hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, says the Kingdom’s football federation.
The stadium building projects were announced by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as it was revealed the Kingdom would host Asia’s premier international football tournament.
In messages on social media the SAFF gave a first look at the upcoming Riyadh Stadium, Qiddiya Stadium and Dammam Stadium.
Saudi Arabia Stadia
SAFF said the Riyadh Stadium would be built near to a metro station and has the possibility of increasing capacity.
The Dammam Stadium is designed to fit into the “region’s environment, enhance the fan experience and achieve aesthetic satisfaction”.
As well as building the Qiddiya Stadium, described as one of the masterpieces of the Asian Cup in 2027 renovations are also planned for existing stadia in Saudi Arabia.
King Fahad Stadium, Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium, Prince Saud Bin Jalawi City Stadium and Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Stadium.
The tournament will be staged in three cities and matches played at 10 stadiums.
The AFC confirmed the Asian Cup 2027 hosting decision at an event in Bahrain on Wednesday.
In his address to the 33rd AFC Congress, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC President said: “Let me congratulate the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for being selected as the hosts for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
“This will be the first time the tournament will be staged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to working closely with the SAFF and the Saudi Arabian Government to deliver a memorable AFC Asian Cup™ for our fans and players in 2027.”
Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who led the presentation to the AFC Congress, said: “It is an honour to have been chosen as hosts for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and this is a historic and exciting moment for football in Saudi Arabia.
“We believe the best days of Asian football are yet to come and we see this tournament as an opportunity to showcase all that’s great about the game here.
“Our experience in hosting major sporting and entertainment events means that we are ready to deliver and ready to warmly welcome fans from across Asia and around the world.
“This will be an incredible AFC Asian Cup, made even more special by the passion of the Saudi fans. I would like to thank the AFC and all the member associations that have been involved in this process.”
KSA has also submitted a bid to host the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026.
The Kingdom soccer federation’s president, Yasser Almisehal, was among six Asian soccer officials elected by AFC members to represent them on FIFA’s decision-making council through 2027.
Qatar federation president Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, whose country hosts the Asian Cup next January, also was elected to a FIFA position for the first time.
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