Global football body FIFA is poised to officially announce Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 men’s World Cup on Wednesday.
The decision is largely ceremonial, given the absence of competing bids.
The 2034 edition will bring the global spectacle back to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia becoming the second nation in the region to host the tournament, following Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 event.
FIFA is also set to confirm the hosts for the 2030 tournament, which will mark the centenary of the World Cup, with matches held across three continents. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will host the majority of games, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each stage one match to commemorate the event’s origins. Uruguay hosted the first-ever World Cup in 1930.
Saudi’s sporting ambitions
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid for the 2034 World Cup underscores the country’s growing prominence on the global sports stage. The Kingdom emerged as the sole bidder after Australia and Indonesia, previously in discussions for a joint bid, withdrew their plans.
This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which includes leveraging major international events to boost tourism and diversify its economy.
Earlier this year, the Kingdom launched its bid campaign for the 2034 World Cup under a slogan titled ‘Growing. Together’.
A day where dreams come true #GrowingTogether #Saudi2034bid pic.twitter.com/NhKjSKGZQm
— Saudi Arabian Football Federation (@saudiff_en) December 11, 2024
“Bidding to host a FIFA World Cup is only made possible by the rapid transformation the country is enjoying,” said Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), in a statement.
“We’ve made unprecedented progress in both the men’s and women’s game, and our bid is an open invitation to the world to join us on this exciting journey. As we proved when we welcomed over 100 nationalities to the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 in Jeddah, the future is bright when we grow together,” added Al Misehal.
Heritage inspired logo
The unveiling of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid also introduced its new logo.
“The logo shapes the country’s outline, with its five colours reflecting the diversity of the nation: Desert Amber, symbolising warmth and generosity; Oasis Green, representing valleys and mountains; Radiance Red, inspired by the Red Sea coral reefs; Rich Lavender, celebrating blossoming wildflowers; and Sunrise Yellow, marking an exciting new dawn for the nation,” SAFF said in a press statement.
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