RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has officially secured the rights to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic moment for the Kingdom. The decision was confirmed after a vote by FIFA’s General Assembly, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino announcing that global football associations unanimously backed the Kingdom’s bid.
The 2034 World Cup is set to be an extraordinary event, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup in 1930. “The 2034 edition will undoubtedly be special, and I am delighted with the unanimous support from all continental federations,” Infantino said.
Saudi Arabia’s bid scored an unprecedented 419.8 out of 500 in FIFA’s technical evaluation, the highest in history. The tournament will be held across five major Saudi cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and Neom. It will feature 15 stadiums, 10 of which will be newly built, while existing stadiums in Riyadh and Jeddah will be upgraded.
With 48 teams participating, it will be the largest World Cup ever held in a single country. This landmark tournament reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global sports stage. The Kingdom’s official bid, unveiled in March 2024, featured the slogan “Growing. Together.”, symbolising unity and shared progress.
Saudi Arabia’s journey began in October 2023 when the Saudi Football Federation officially submitted its bid to FIFA. The announcement solidifies the Kingdom’s role as a key player in international football. Fans worldwide now eagerly await the grand spectacle of the 2034 World Cup, promising unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike.
