FIFA officially confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This will be the third time the tournament takes place in Asia, following the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The announcement was made during a special FIFA Congress, where Saudi Arabia’s sole bid was unanimously approved.
The tournament will be held across five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic city of Neom. These cities will feature 15 stadiums, one more than the minimum required by FIFA. The King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, with a seating capacity of 92,760, will host both the opening match and the grand final. While construction on the stadium has yet to begin, it is expected to be the centerpiece of the event.
Saudi Arabia aims to deliver an innovative World Cup, in line with its “Vision 2030” project, which combines the country’s cultural heritage with its modernization efforts. FIFA has emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability, including initiatives like free public transportation for attendees, the use of renewable energy, and sustainable construction practices for the stadiums.
Economically, the 2034 World Cup is expected to generate significant revenue. FIFA anticipates a 10% increase in global viewership compared to the previous edition, along with a 32% rise in ticket sales and premium services, generating an additional $240 million. Additionally, organizational costs are projected to be lower than previous tournaments, with expected savings of $450 million.
Infrastructure will be vital to the tournament’s success. While some of the 15 stadiums are under renovation and others are still being built, FIFA is confident that Saudi Arabia will meet the deadlines to provide world-class venues for the matches.
This announcement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player on the global sports stage. The 2034 World Cup will not only be a significant milestone in football history but also help the kingdom achieve its ambitious goals of making a lasting impact in sports and contributing to its social and economic transformation.