Saudi Arabia recently announced its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
This news came right after FIFA decided the 2030 games will celebrate the event’s 100th year and span multiple continents.
Asian countries are rallying behind Saudi Arabia. Notably, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are on board.
Furthermore, the head of the Asian Football Confederation, Shaikh Salman, supports the bid.
Yasser Al Misehal, who leads Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation, said it’s the right time for the nation to host.
He says the bid stems from a love for the sport and a wish to see it grow worldwide.
So far, only Australia has also shown interest in hosting. Like Saudi Arabia, Australia is a member of the Asian Football Confederation.
According to FIFA’s deadline, countries have until the end of October to express their interest.
Globally, we see a move to diversify hosting locations. For instance, the 2026 World Cup will be in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
In 2030, games will span three continents. Clearly, FIFA aims for global inclusivity.
Locally, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports. It has hosted boxing matches, Formula 1 races, and more.
The idea is to diversify the economy and shift away from oil dependency. The World Cup could solidify this transformation.
Background World Cup 2024
Saudi Arabia presents a contrasting narrative compared to Australia, the only contender.
Australia boasts of a strong sporting culture but has never hosted a World Cup.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia aims to break new ground in a region less renowned for soccer.
Asia itself is a hotspot for football’s growth. China’s big investments in the sport are well-known.
Hence, an Asian host like Saudi Arabia might catalyze the sport’s growth in the entire continent.
Australia’s potential hosting also comes with geopolitical implications. Hosting could strengthen Australia’s ties with Asia.
Yet, the Saudi bid could serve as a milestone for Middle Eastern sports and politics.
Saudi Arabia’s human rights record could be a stumbling block, just as Qatar faced scrutiny for the 2022 World Cup.
Nonetheless, FIFA’s decision will reflect broader objectives, including the diversification of host countries and the global growth of soccer.
In summary, the Saudi bid is more than just a sporting event. It’s a statement of national ambition, both within Saudi Arabia and on the global stage.
It offers a case study in sports diplomacy, economics, and regional pride.