Natal is one of the host cities of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, for which Brazil is the host nation. the Dunas Arena will be built in place of Machadão stadium will be demolished.^[34] It is building a new airport, Greater Natal International Airport, to be the largest airport in Latin America.^[35] It is also investing in a public transport system using the system of light rail called VLT de Natal, and other projects of infrastructure.

David Beckham has announced plans for a football academy in Natal called the Beckham World of Sport, to coincide with the 2014 World Cup.^[36]