Eight high-profile stadiums set to open in 2026

This year will see high-profile stadiums for football, rugby, American football and ice hockey complete in countries including USA, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Kenya. Here are eight of the most impactful.

New Highmark Stadium, USA, by Populous

Nearing completion in Buffalo, New York, the new Highmark Stadium will become the home of NFL team Buffalo Bills.

One of several high-profile stadiums designed by US studio Populous completing this year, the 62,000-seat venue was informed by the architecture of Buffalo and was designed to have an "intimate yet intimidating" atmosphere.

"[It] merges their projection of strength with modern materials and a building form that is set to create an intimate and intimidating football-first environment," said Populous senior principal Jonathan Mallie.

Find out more about New Highmark Stadium here ›

Inter Miami Freedom Park Stadium, USA, Manica Architecture 

Also in the US, Miami Freedom Park will open as the home of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, which is co-owned by English footballer David Beckham, later this year.

Designed by US studio Manica Architecture, the 25,000-seat stadium will be located near Miami Airport to the west of the city. It will sit within a 58-acre parkland site designed by architecture studio Arquitectonica containing hotels, restaurants, soccer fields and athletic courts.

New Ankara Stadium, by Bahadır Kul Architects, Turkey

Set to be the home of the Turkey national football team and host games during Euro 2032, New Ankara Stadium in the country's capital is also set to complete later this year.

Designed by Turkish studio Bahadır Kul Architects, the 58,000-seat stadium will be topped by a steel roof that was informed by the "form of the soccer ball".

Talanta Sports Stadium, Kenya, by Major Victor King'e

Currently being built by Chinese contractor China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 60,000-seat Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi will be the largest venue in the country when it is completed.

Officially named the Raila Odinga International Stadium after Kenya's former prime minister, the covered stadium will be almost entirely wrapped in a white steel mesh. Supported on the decorative facade will be eight giant shields that match the motif from the country's flag.

The stadium is being built ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and will host the tournament's final.

Te Kaha' – One New Zealand Stadium, New Zealand, by Populous and Warren and Mahoney

Nearing completion in Christchurch, New Zealand, Te Kaha' – One New Zealand Stadium, will be a multi-use venue for rugby union, rugby league and football, as well as music events.

Being built as part of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan, the 30,000-seat stadium will replace the Lancaster Park stadium, which was damaged in the 2011 earthquake.

Aramco Stadium, Saudi Arabia, by Foster + Partners and Populous

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the World Cup in 2034, the first of a slew of new stadiums for the tournament is set to complete this year in Khobar, on the country's eastern coast.

With a concept by UK studio Foster + Partners and now being completed by Populous, the design of the 47,000-seat Aramco Stadium was informed by whirlpools.

"The stadium's architecture celebrates the sea's dynamic nature and its profound influence on the local community," said a description in the official World Cup bid document. "Its whirlpool-shaped design mimics overlapping sails and draws on graceful, natural wave motifs, to blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape."

Find out more about Aramco Stadium here ›

Etihad Stadium, UK, by Populous

Another project by Populous that is set to complete this year is the expansion to football club Manchester City's stadium in England.

Populous's redevelopment of the Etihad Stadium will increase the seating capacity of the North Stand by more than 5,000 by extending it upwards. Attached to the stand will be a building containing a 400-bed hotel, museum and club shop.

Find out more about Etihad Stadium here ›

Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Italy, by David Chipperfield

Set to host the ice hockey matches at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena was designed by David Chipperfield Architects. The 14,000-seat arena was designed to reference traditional amphitheatres.

"The elliptical form of the building is inspired by the archetype of the amphitheatre, being reinterpreted with modern tectonics and materials," said David Chipperfield Architects.

The arena is set to open at the beginning of February when the 2026 Winter Olympics begins, however, last week International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif revealed that the venue will not be fully complete when the tournament begins.

Find out more about Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena here ›

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