Saudi Arabia has officially submitted its bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to bolster its global sports presence. The bid was presented at a ceremony in Paris, led by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, the Minister of Sport, and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, along with other key figures from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF). Notably the bid also included two children from SAFF affiliated training centres, highlighting the contribution of youth sports in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s sole competition for the 2034 World Cup bid was removed when Australia withdrew its interest, paving the way for the Kingdom to be the primary candidate. Speaking on the bid, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bun Faisal, said, “Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™, is a bid for the future. It is for our children and those who dream big. The Kingdom aims to host the most important event in the world of football, which would reaffirm its influential position on the global stage across various fields, including sports.”
The Kingdom’s dedication to sports development is evident in its recent initiatives and infrastructure projects. Among these are the New Murabba stadium in Riyadh, the recently announced 92,000 capacity King Salman Stadium, and the Kingdom’s preparation to host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025.
Hosting global sports is increasing in the Middle East with Qatar having successfully held the 2022 World Cup, and its $800 million bid to host the “Super Bowl of Rugby”. Despite the bid being unsuccessful, Qatar’s global sports tourism efforts continue with the announcement of Qatar Airways becoming the airline series partner of the British & Irish Lions rugby tour in Australia.
Saudi Arabia’s bid for the World Cup is more than just a sports endeavour, it’s a strategic move to transform the Kingdom into a major destination for international events, promoting cultural exchange and economic growth. The involvement of young Saudi talents in the bid submission symbolises the nation’s dedication to the future of the sport, and the vital role of its youth in achieving these goals.
As FIFA’s evaluation process progresses, all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia to see how it plans to deliver on its promise of a world-class tournament. The Kingdom’s commitment to meeting FIFA’s requirements, including infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and human rights standards, will be evaluated as it aims to host one of the most prestigious events in sports.
