Saudi Arabia will bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The kingdom’s association announced this on Wednesday.
Shortly before, the world association FIFA had announced its plans for the 2030 World Cup and announced that an application from the associations from Asia and Oceania would probably be selected for the following final tournament in 2034.
The Saudi association said it plans to “organize a world-class tournament.” They will “take inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the country’s deep-rooted passion for football.” The FIFA Club World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia at the end of 2023, and the Asian Championship will take place there in 2027.
They want to benefit from these experiences and use them for a successful World Cup bid. “As part of Vision 2030, sport contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth and to improving the quality of life for all, and has the unique ability to unite and bring together different cultures,” said the association’s statement: “Saudi Arabia plans to… to provide an unparalleled experience and event.”
FIFA had previously announced that the 2030 World Cup would take place in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. In addition, the 100th anniversary of the World Cup will be celebrated with matches in Uruguay (opening game), Paraguay and Argentina. The plans still have to be approved by Congress in 2024, which is considered a formality.