Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud has officially endorsed the Kingdom’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. The endorsement was announced on Monday, July 29, following the conclusion of the bid’s detailed requirements ahead of the submission of the bid book to FIFA in Paris.
Comprehensive Bid Submission
The bid is set to be submitted by a delegation led by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud and Yasser Al Misehal. Joining them will be two children from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) youth regional training centers, symbolizing the ambition of Saudi Arabia’s young generation to host the world’s greatest football event. This initiative by the SAFF highlights the Kingdom’s focus on involving the younger generation in its ambitious plans.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud expressed his gratitude to King Salman Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support and interest in this sector. He stated, “With this candidacy, we intend to host the exceptional edition that brings together 48 teams for the first time in the history of the tournament in one country.”
FIFA President’s Commendation
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the “wonderful” steps taken by Saudi Arabia to develop football. In a post on Instagram dated Sunday, July 28, Infantino recounted his meeting with Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and President of the Saudi Football Federation Yasser Al-Misehal in Paris. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s crucial role in football development and acknowledged the Kingdom’s successful organization of the 2023 Club World Cup and the significant strides made in developing women’s football.
Infantino noted, “Saudi Arabia is a very important partner for FIFA and plays an important role in the development of football. They organised the outstanding and successful 2023 Club World Cup and have taken great steps to develop women’s football, which I saw first-hand while attending a Saudi Women’s Premier League match between Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad last December.”
He added, “It is always encouraging to see football bring people together, and I wish the Saudi delegation a successful Olympics.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Plans
Saudi Arabia announced its intention to host the 2034 World Cup in October 2023, followed by the submission of an official nomination letter to FIFA. In March 2024, the Saudi Football Federation unveiled the official identity for the Kingdom’s bid, bearing the slogan “Growing Together.” This slogan reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision of uniting people through football and promoting growth and development within the sport.
The Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup aligns with its broader vision of enhancing its global presence and fostering a vibrant sports culture. By bringing together 48 teams for the first time in one country, Saudi Arabia aims to host an exceptional edition of the tournament that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
