RIYADH — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation submitted a letter of intent to bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi officials said that the bid would deliver a world-class tournament and draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation, and deep-rooted passion for football.
“This is the second step of a hugely exciting journey that the nation is embarking on,” Yasser Al-Misehal, SAFF president said.
“Last week we announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality.
“The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia’s development, experience its culture and become part of its history.
“We are extremely committed to presenting the most competitive bid possible that will also help unite the world through football,” Al-Misehal added.
Officials previously said that Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid was backed by the Kingdom’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Reflecting on the bid, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi Arabia’s desire to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a reflection of the Kingdom’s progress in all sectors.
A joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Morocco has been named as the sole candidate for 2030 – and will be awarded the tournament if approved by the FIFA Congress in Bangkok next year, something which will almost certainly happen.
Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, has already been awarded the 2034 Asian Games so it could be a bumper year of sport in the Kingdom.
The Asian Football Confederation, of which Australia is also a member, and a number of countries have already backed the Saudi bid.
