FIFA grants highest rating to Saudi bid to host 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has received a historic rating of 419.8 out of 500, marking the highest score ever granted by FIFA to a host nation bid. The announcement was made on Friday, just days ahead of the official FIFA decision on the 2030 and 2034 World Cup hosts, scheduled for the extraordinary FIFA congress on December 11.
The bid was submitted with strong backing from the highest levels of leadership in the Kingdom, underscoring the country's ambition to bring the world’s premier football event to its shores. The FIFA inspection committee visited Saudi Arabia in October to review proposed host cities, stadiums, and infrastructure, further solidifying the Kingdom’s readiness to host the global spectacle.
The score reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to transforming its sports sector as part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative. Commenting on the achievement, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous support.
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“This score is a reflection of our deep commitment to the sport and our rapid transformation,” said Prince Abdulaziz. “Saudi Arabia is a young, football-loving nation, and we are committed to hosting the best World Cup in history, one that will be a source of pride for the entire world."
The bid, launched in July under the slogan "Growing. Together," proposes to host the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup across 15 stadiums in five key cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—along with 10 additional host locations throughout the Kingdom.
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, hailed the score as a testament to the leadership’s vision and the country’s growing prominence in global sports. “This exceptional result is driven by the Crown Prince's leadership, which has propelled Saudi Arabia to the forefront of sports development. We are ready to deliver a World Cup that will showcase Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage," he said.
Hammad Albalawi, head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit, noted the importance of the score as a reflection of the Kingdom’s collaborative efforts to meet FIFA’s highest standards. "We are proud of this unprecedented score, which highlights our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for players, officials, and football fans worldwide," Albalawi remarked. "Our diverse cities and world-class infrastructure will offer fans the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia like never before."
The bid also aligns with the strategic objectives of Vision 2030, which has already positioned Saudi Arabia as a leader in global sports. The Kingdom has successfully hosted more than 100 major events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah, demonstrating its capability to host world-class events.
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The Saudi 2034 World Cup bid also emphasizes sustainability, with the Kingdom working closely with the Saudi Green Initiative to ensure an environmentally responsible tournament. The project is set to support Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing quality of life, contributing to economic growth, and nurturing Saudi Arabia’s emerging sports culture.
As the Kingdom awaits FIFA’s final decision in December, the bid continues to inspire pride among the Saudi people and global football fans, promising to deliver an unforgettable World Cup that celebrates the spirit of the game and the rich culture of Saudi Arabia.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat
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