FIFA confirmed that the 2034 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. The decision came during a virtual FIFA Congress, where the Kingdom’s uncontested bid was officially approved. This marks a significant moment in football history, as Saudi Arabia becomes the first single-country host of the expanded 48-team tournament format.
A Historic Decision for the 2030 and 2034 Editions
FIFA also unveiled plans for the 2030 centenary World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. As part of the tournament’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, three inaugural matches will take place in South America—Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay—honoring the continent’s deep footballing roots.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the dual decisions, stating they reflect “peace, tolerance, and inclusion.” He emphasized the global unity these tournaments aim to promote, despite logistical and environmental concerns over hosting across three continents in 2030.
🚨🏆 OFFICIAL: Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup 2034. pic.twitter.com/QDT0E0JsoK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitions for 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup reflects its growing presence in international sports. The Kingdom has pledged to deliver a world-class tournament, with matches hosted in 15 state-of-the-art stadiums across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of NEOM. Eight of these venues are yet to be built, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating cutting-edge infrastructure.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the Kingdom’s readiness to host the world’s largest football tournament, pointing to the country’s advanced capabilities, ambitious plans, and the enthusiastic support of its citizens.
Under the slogan “Growing. Together,” Saudi Arabia aims to provide an exceptional experience for players and fans. The Kingdom plans to integrate sustainability into its tournament design, featuring eco-friendly facilities, modern accommodations, and an advanced transportation network to enhance the visitor experience.
From Controversy to Opportunity
While Saudi Arabia’s win has drawn praise for its ambitious plans, it has also faced criticism. Concerns surrounding the country’s human rights record and allegations of “sportswashing” mirror issues raised during Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. However, FIFA argues that hosting the tournament could spark positive changes within the Kingdom, much like Qatar’s experience.
Key Features of Saudi Arabia’s Bid
- World-Class Stadiums: 15 stadiums, including eight new builds, will host all 104 matches in the 2034 tournament. A centerpiece of the plan is the proposed King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, which will accommodate 92,000 spectators.
- Tourism and Development Boost: Hosting the World Cup is expected to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism industry, which has seen rapid growth over the past decade.
- Record-Breaking Technical Score: Saudi Arabia’s bid achieved a FIFA technical evaluation score of 419.8 out of 500, the highest ever recorded.
FIFA World Cup: A Century of Football
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will commemorate the tournament’s centenary by revisiting its origins in South America. The opening matches will be held at Uruguay’s iconic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where the inaugural World Cup final took place in 1930.
Meanwhile, the main tournament will take place across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, marking the first time a World Cup spans three continents.
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