Saudi Arabia's efforts to make waves in the sporting world look set to continue when the wealthy Gulf nation hosts the 2034 World Cup. But a football stadium 350 metres off the ground seems ambitious even for them following the viral emergence of concept designs for a brand new venue dubbed the NEOM Stadium. A list of 15 host stadia complete with concept art was first revealed in the summer of 2024.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has announced the sacking of former Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert from his role as head coach. The decision follows Indonesia’s 1-0 loss to Iraq, which saw them finish bottom of their World Cup qualifying group and eliminated from contention for next year's competition. Kluivert stepped into the role in January, but has been sacked alongside the rest of his coaching staff.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes that the international calendar should be changed in order to accommodate winter World Cups in the future. With the 2034 edition currently scheduled to take place in the height of summer in Saudi Arabia, football's showpiece could follow Qatar's lead in 2022 and move to the winter, which saw domestic seasons start earlier and finish later.