Saudi Arabia announces bid to host FIFA World Cup in 2034
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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced its intention to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Led by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the 2034 bid intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the Kingdom’s profound love for football.
Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid is backed by the Kingdom’s increasing expertise in hosting world-class football events and its ongoing plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while contemplating the bid, emphasised that Saudi Arabia's aspiration to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup mirrors the Kingdom's progress in all sectors.
The Kingdom has rapidly emerged as a leading hub and global venue for hosting significant events, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength, and the ambition of its citizens.
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Under the Saudi Vision 2030, sports play a pivotal role in contributing to the country's economic prosperity and enhancing the overall quality of life for its people.
Sports also possess a unique capacity to unite and bring different cultures together.
A renowned host for some of the biggest global sports events since 2018, Saudi Arabia has been home to over 50 international events for both male and female athletes including football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian, esports and golf.
Saudi Arabia has qualified for the iconic tournament on six occasions since 1994 — most recently in 2022 — when the Green Falcons secured a historic victory over eventual champions Argentina.
Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki said: “Hosting a FIFA World Cup in 2034 would help us achieve our dream of becoming a leading nation in world sport and would mark a significant milestone in the country’s transformation. As an emerging and welcoming home for all sports, we believe that hosting a FIFA World Cup is a natural next step in our football journey, reports Arab News.
“Through its intention to bid to host the 2034 World Cup, the Kingdom is keen to provide an unprecedented experience for everyone around the world. The Kingdom’s recent success in hosting major international sporting events in various games and its triumph in winning rights to host many international tournaments during the next few years is the best testimony to the distinguished position that our country has reached, making it an ideal and distinguished location for organizing an exceptional edition of the World Cup,” Prince Abdulaziz said.
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, stated: “We believe the time is right for Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup.
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“Our bid is driven by a love for the game and a desire to see it grow in every corner of the world. We want to celebrate our football culture and share our country with the world.
“We are embracing Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for innovation and growth as we make our bid for this iconic tournament; the Kingdom’s transformation journey is the driving force behind our bid. We are committed to hosting an exceptional event that celebrates the game, captivates players and fans, and inspires future generations.
“To be in a position to bid to host a FIFA World Cup is only possible with the full support of the Kingdom’s leadership and we thank them for their continued committed to drive the country forward and open up new opportunities,” Al-Misehal added.
With the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to a 48-team tournament starting in 2026, the focus on tournament logistics is paramount for players, officials, and fans alike.
Saudi Arabia will host all matches in the Kingdom, streamlining travel, optimizing match scheduling, and providing unique fan experiences across host venues and cities.
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As a youthful and dynamic nation, Saudi Arabia boasts a population where over 70 per cent is under the age of 35. It is also home to one of the most robust leagues in Asia, the Saudi Pro League.
This league not only attracts and engages fans from around the world but also showcases some of the finest Saudi talent along with international star players hailing from more than 45 different countries.
SAFF’s commitment to invest and grow the game at every level across the men’s and women’s games is highlighted by recent notable achievements including winning the men’s U-23 AFC Asian Cup, 160 per cent increase in youth football investment, opening 18 youth regional training centres, increasing registered coaches from 750 in 2018 to over 5,500 today, and witnessing an increase of 56 per cent and 86 per cent in registered male and female players respectively since 2021.
Saudi Arabia's dedication to expanding the sport and fostering fresh opportunities throughout the entire ecosystem extends to women's football as well.
Since 2019, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has achieved significant milestones in women's football, including the establishment of senior women's and U-17 national teams, two professional women's leagues featuring 38 clubs and a school girls' league, attracting over 48,000 girls in its very first week.
Within a mere two years, the number of female coaches has witnessed an extraordinary 800 per cent increase.
