Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Host the 2034 FIFA World Cup
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Hashim Sheikh
- . October 5, 2023
- . Update: October 5, 2023 4:08 pm
In a momentous declaration, Saudi Arabia declared that it would put in a bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is in charge of this ambitious project, which aims to provide a top-notch competition that honors the Kingdom’s continuing social and economic development as well as its ardent love of football.
Saudi Arabia’s Rapid Rise in Hosting International Sporting Events
Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has rapidly become a top worldwide hub and location for staging big athletic events.
Over 50 international competitions, including football, racing, tennis, equestrian, esports, and golf, have been successfully held in the Kingdom. With such a successful track record, Saudi Arabia has proven that it is capable of effectively managing and putting together major sporting events.
The Significance of Saudi Vision 2030
The significance of sports in attaining the country’s economic growth and raising the standard of living for its people has been highlighted in Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive strategy aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing the country’s dependence on oil.
Since sports have the unique power to bring people together and bridge cultural gaps, hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034 is a perfect fit for these goals.
Football’s History in the Kingdom
With the national team having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times since 1994, most recently in 2022, Saudi Arabia’s participation in international football competitions is nothing new. The Kingdom’s potential to be a strong football nation is demonstrated by their legendary triumph over the eventual champions Argentina in 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a dominant force in international sport, according to Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, will be aided by hosting the 2034 World Cup. The government of the Kingdom has a larger vision that is reflected in this goal, which is to create new possibilities and promote Saudi Arabia as a prime venue for extraordinary global events.
Young and Dynamic Nation
Saudi Arabia isn’t just a youthful country more than 70 percent of its citizens are under 35 years old — but it also has one of Asia’s top football leagues, the Saudi Pro League.
This competition draws international stars from further than 45 different nations, broadening the sport’s popularity and contributing to its diversity.
Youth Development Investment
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has proven its dedication to developing youth football as well as the game overall.
The men’s U-23 AFC Asian Cup victory, a 160 percent increase in youth football investment, the opening of 18 young regional training centers, and significant growth in the number of registered coaches and players, particularly in the women’s game, are notable accomplishments.
A thriving scene for women’s football
Saudi Arabia has advanced in women’s football significantly in just two years. Senior women’s and U-17 national teams have been organized by SAFF, along with two professional women’s leagues with 38 clubs and a school girls’ league that attracted almost 48,000 girls in its first week.
The Kingdom’s dedication to gender equality in sports is evidenced by the 800% increase in the proportion of female coaches.
FIFA’s World Cup Expansion
Concerns concerning logistical issues have been highlighted by the FIFA World Cup’s decision to grow to a 48-team event starting in 2026.
Saudi Arabia, however, has pledged that it would be able to host every game inside the borders of the Kingdom, easing travel, improving match scheduling, and offering distinctive fan experiences in all host towns and venues.
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The Kingdom’s quick advancement in sports and dedication to using sports as a tool for societal development, cultural exchange, and economic growth are both evidenced by Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia is a strong candidate to host one of the most famous athletic events in the world in 2034 due to its great football heritage, youthful population, and significant investments in youth development and women’s football.
The bid signals a crucial turning point in the Kingdom’s development process as it continues to develop as a significant player on the world sports stage.
