Saudi Arabia Poised to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

In a landmark decision, FIFA is expected to announce Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup, making it the second Middle Eastern nation to host the tournament after Qatar in 2022. This move underscores the kingdom's growing influence in global sports.

Saudi Arabia's bid, operating under the slogan 'Together We Grow', received an unprecedented score of 419.8 out of 500 in FIFA's evaluation, the highest in the history of World Cup bidding. The proposal highlights state-of-the-art stadiums and innovative projects, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 initiative.

The bid includes plans for 15 stadiums across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom. Notably, the new King Salman Stadium in Riyadh, with a capacity exceeding 92,000, is slated to host both the opening match and the final.

Following the official announcement, Saudi Arabia plans to celebrate nationwide from Wednesday through Saturday, featuring parades and cultural performances, with live broadcasts across the country.

While the decision has been met with enthusiasm domestically, it has also attracted international scrutiny. Critics have raised concerns regarding the country's human rights record and the expedited bidding process. FIFA's evaluation report, however, praised the bid for its comprehensive vision and commitment to sustainability, citing initiatives like renewable energy use and innovative stadium designs.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the world's most prestigious football tournament, the focus will be on its ability to deliver a memorable and inclusive event that meets global standards.