The last few days have brought a lot of new information regarding the forthcoming World Cup. Not only do we now know everything about the hosts of the 2030 tournament, but also a lot about the World Cup that will be organised four years later.

Saudi Arabia is taking advantage of the circumstances

Saudi Arabia has officially declared its intention to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a move that comes shortly after FIFA invited countries from the Asia and Oceania regions to submit their bids. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is leading this bid, aiming to deliver a world-class tournament that mirrors the nation's ongoing social and economic transformation. The bid is further strengthened by Saudi Arabia's growing experience in hosting significant football events, including the upcoming 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Saudi Arabia's aspiration to host the World Cup is not just about football. The country's Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, emphasized that hosting the 2034 World Cup would be a pivotal milestone in the nation's transformation journey. He believes that such an event would propel Saudi Arabia closer to its dream of becoming a global sports powerhouse. This sentiment is echoed by Yasser Al Misehal, President of the SAFF, who stated that the Kingdom's transformative journey is the driving force behind their bid.

© King Abdullah Sports City Jeddah

Rising as a football destination

Saudi Arabia's football scene has been buzzing with activity. The nation has qualified for the World Cup six times, with a notable victory against world champions Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. Furthermore, the Saudi Pro League has been attracting global football stars, with big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema signing deals with Saudi clubs.

This surge in football activity, combined with the nation's infrastructure and economic advancements, makes Saudi Arabia a strong contender for the 2034 World Cup hosting rights. While Saudi Arabia initially considered a joint bid with countries like Egypt and Greece for the 2030 edition, they have now set their sights solely on the 2034 event. The world now waits in anticipation to see if the Kingdom's dream will come to fruition.

© Mahmoud Bakheet „Hosary”