Vietnam has begun work on what is set to become the largest football stadium in the world, after plans were approved for a colossal 135,000-capacity venue in its capital city, Hanoi.
The Trong Dong Stadium will form the centrepiece of a vast Olympic Sports City project, with the wider residential and sporting district expected to cost a whopping £28 billion and be fully completed by 2035.
Trong Dong Stadium designed to boost Vietnam's global standing
Approved by the Hanoi government back in December, the Trong Dong Stadium is intended to host major sporting, cultural and socio-political events, while elevating Vietnam's profile on the world stage.
The stadium's intriguing design is inspired by the Dong Son bronze drum, a powerful symbol of ancient Vietnamese civilisation. Project organisers say this approach blends traditional culture with modern architectural vision, creating an instantly recognisable landmark.
If completed as planned, the venue would surpass both North Korea's Rungrado 1st of May Stadium and Morocco's Hassan II Stadium to become the largest in the world.
It is also expected to feature the world's biggest retractable roof, alongside energy-efficient systems and environmentally-friendly materials.
FGG says: A bold statement of ambition from Vietnam
Indeed, there is no denying the scale of ambition from Vietnam – building a stadium of this magnitude will certainly be a springboard for their desire to have an impact across the globe.
This project could eventually allow the country to bid for events such as the World Cup or even the Olympics, so it's undoubtedly a statement of intent.
For context, the proposed stadium is double the size of both the Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford.
While questions could emerge around its long-term usage and sustainability, iconic venues such as London's Wembley Stadium and Beijing's Bird's Nest have shown how unique infrastructure can boost global image.
If delivered on time and successfully, the Trong Dong Stadium could do the same for Vietnam, marking a defining moment in the country's sporting history.