Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation (SAFF) announced its intention to submit its bid to host the 2034 World Cup after FIFA invited countries from Asia and Oceania to submit bids.
The bid aims to showcase the country’s “ongoing social and economic transformation,” as well as “deliver a world-class” tournament that draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s strong passion for football, said SAFF in a statement.
The federation said that Saudi Arabia’s bid is underpinned by its increasing experience in hosting top-tier football events, as demonstrated by its plans to welcome football fans from around the world to the upcoming 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the bid as a reflection of the country’s progress in various sectors, saying that Saudi Arabia emerged as a prominent hub for hosting major events, leveraging its “cultural heritage, economic strength, and the ambition of its people.”
Sports play a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as it is expected to contribute to economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
The bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup aligns with this vision, the federation said, as it aims to provide an “unparalleled experience” for fans worldwide and foster unity among diverse cultures.
Read also: 2030 World Cup: Morocco Celebrates Historic Achievement
In addition, the statement showcased Saudi Arabia’s openness and enthusiasm to host the global tournament, citing its track record of hosting 50 international sports events since 2018.
The SAFF made the announcement yesterday, hours after FIFA revealed that Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will jointly host the 2030 World Cup.
In addition to the official hosts, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina are set to host one opening match each, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup that was held in Uruguay in 1930.
Starting from the 2026 World Cup, the tournament will see an expanded format, featuring 48 teams instead of 32. The sporting event will thus include a total of 104 matches.
