Saudi Arabia has officially declared its intention to bid for the hosting rights of the FIFA World Cup in 2034, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Wednesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed that the decision to host the prestigious event is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting messages of peace and unity on the global stage through the unifying power of sports.
In an official statement, the SPA conveyed the Crown Prince’s sentiments, stating, “The intention to host comes as an affirmation of the clear and great efforts made by the Kingdom in spreading messages of peace and love in the world, of which sports is one of the most important and prominent aspects, as it is an important means for peoples of different races and cultures to meet.”
The Saudi Football Association is gearing up to mobilize all necessary resources and expertise to ensure an “unprecedented experience” for football enthusiasts should the bid prove successful. The Kingdom, with its extensive experience in hosting international sports events, aims to provide a world-class environment for players and fans alike.
The announcement follows Saudi Arabia’s national football team’s active participation in six previous World Cup tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup in 2022 held in Qatar. The bid for the 2034 World Cup is viewed as a natural progression for the Kingdom, symbolizing its passion for football and aligning with its ongoing success in hosting various international sports events.
Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, remarked on the significance of the announcement, stating, “This announcement constitutes an important and natural step in our journey as a country passionate about football and a true embodiment of the success process witnessed by the Kingdom.”
Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has successfully hosted more than 50 international sports events, spanning disciplines such as football, motor sports, golf, electronic sports, tennis, and equestrian tournaments, further establishing the Kingdom as a prominent destination for major sporting events on the global stage.
