Saudi Arabia's World Cup stadium plans face delays

Saudi Arabia’s construction of stadiums for the 2034 World Cup is facing delays owing to a desire from its Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, to scale back costs.

- Matt Hughes

Several architecture firms awarded contracts to build stadiums have been asked to resubmit plans because their designs have been deemed too expensive, and contractors due to start work next year have been told the build will not begin on time.

There is speculation within the construction industry that Saudi Arabia may reduce the number of stadiums to be used from the 15 included in its bid, which was approved by acclamation by Fifa last December. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar operated with eight stadiums, although after the expansion to 48 teams next year’s tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada will have 16 venues.