Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium
Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium is one of the oldest names in Saudi football — a ground in the Al-Malaz district that has hosted the national team and Riyadh's clubs since the early 1970s. The bid plan lists its successor, the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium, at 46,865 seats after renovation.
Al-Malaz is the historic sporting heart of the capital: the old stadium, the equestrian club and the ministry district all sit here. A World Cup venue in Al-Malaz puts tournament football in the middle of the lived-in city rather than out on a development site — and that changes the feel of a match day completely.
From 1970s ground to sports city
The original Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium opened in 1971 and for decades shared Riyadh's big matches with King Fahad Stadium. Al-Shabab, one of the capital's historic clubs, has deep roots at the ground. Its capacity in recent years was in the low 20,000s — well short of World Cup standard.
The bid solution is the 'Sports City' formula seen across the plan: rebuild the venue within a wider sports complex and lift capacity to 46,865. Whether the project is best described as renovation or replacement depends on how much of the old structure survives; the bid book counts it among the renovated venues.
Why this venue matters to the plan
Geography. Riyadh's six stadiums in the revised plan spread north (King Salman), east (King Fahad), south (South Riyadh), west (King Saud University, Qiddiya beyond) — and centre, here in Al-Malaz. A central venue eases the transport maths for the whole city and gives the tournament a ground that fans can reach from almost anywhere.
It also carries symbolism: the World Cup honouring the historic home of Saudi football rather than only its shiny new districts. Expect this stadium to be a favourite of football purists if the schedule sends a big group game here.
Match days in Al-Malaz
Al-Malaz is dense, established Riyadh — government ministries, older neighbourhoods, the National Museum and Masmak Fortress a short ride away. Match-day operations here will lean on the metro and road closures rather than vast empty aprons of land.
For visitors, this is the venue to pair with a city day: museum in the morning, old Riyadh in the afternoon, football at night. No other 2034 stadium offers that walkable a combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium?
The World Cup successor to Riyadh's historic Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Al-Malaz, listed in the bid book at 46,865 seats after renovation as part of a wider sports city.
How old is the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium site?
Football has been played on the Al-Malaz site since 1971, making it one of the oldest stadium locations in the country and a long-time home of the national team and Al-Shabab.
Is the Prince Faisal bin Fahad stadium in the 2034 plan?
Yes. October 2026 reporting on the revised stadium plan named it among the Riyadh venues set to go ahead.
Where is the stadium in Riyadh?
In Al-Malaz, the historic central district of the capital — the most central of all the 2034 venues.