On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia formally confirmed its desire to bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034. It occurred shortly after the international governing body revealed Morocco will co-host the 2030 event. Morocco, along with Spain and Portugal, has been nominated as one of the three major hosts of the 2030 edition, according to Fifa. However, the first few matches of the finals will take place in South America as part of the centenary celebrations.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation stated it “intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the country’s deep-rooted passion for football”.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “Saudi Arabia’s desire to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a reflection of the country’s progress in all sectors. The kingdom has quickly emerged as a leading hub and an international destination for hosting major events thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength and the ambition of its people.”
“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,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport, Saudi Arabia.
The Middle Eastern country had planned to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Egypt and Greece. FIFA, on the other hand, has detailed plans for the centennial edition. As a result, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco will host the event largely. However, a match will be played in each of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina in order to spread its footprints across three continents.
However, FIFA has said that only AFC and OFC member nations can make bids for the 2034 World Cup. It should make it easier for Saudi Arabia to get hosting privileges.
In the two previous transfer windows, the Saudi Pro League attracted numerous renowned players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and others. Its goal is to transform the country’s football organisation and establish itself as a serious force in international football. Saudi Arabia will host a number of significant footballing events in the near future, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
