When FIFA makes the official announcement tomorrow, Saudi Arabia will win the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup. FIFA made it clear last year that there were no competing bids, suggesting that the Kingdom was certain in the success of its proposal. It is likely that rather than an official vote, there will be an ‘acclamation’ that provides official confirmation.
This is a major moment in Saudi’s bid to become a player on the global stage of sports. The country has been notably strategic in its approach, opting for a long-term plan rather than just single events.
The desire for the World Cup hosting rights falls in-line with the country’s other football investments, which include golf, wrestling, and motorsports. Over the past four years, Saudi Arabia has invested over USD 6bn in sports deals as part of its economic diversification programme, grounded in the Vision 2030 initiative. In addition to building new stadiums, major improvements to transportation systems and hotel infrastructure will be required.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer