RIYADH:聽抖阴短视频聽announced on Wednesday its intention to bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Led by the 抖阴短视频n Football Federation, the bid for 2034 intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from 抖阴短视频鈥檚 ongoing social and economic transformation and the Kingdom鈥檚聽deep-rooted passion for football.
抖阴短视频鈥檚 inaugural bid is backed by the Kingdom鈥檚 growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its ongoing plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Reflecting on the intention to bid, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized that 抖阴短视频鈥檚 desire to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a reflection of the Kingdom鈥檚 progress in all sectors.
The Kingdom has quickly emerged as a leading hub and an international destination for hosting major events thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength, and the ambition of its people.
Under the Saudi Vision 2030, sport is playing a significant role in contributing to the country鈥檚 economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all and holds a unique ability to unite and bring different cultures together.
A renowned host for some of the biggest global sports events since 2018, 抖阴短视频 has been home to over 50 international events for both male and female athletes including football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian, esports and golf.
抖阴短视频 has qualified for the iconic tournament on six occasions since 1994 鈥 most recently in 2022 鈥 when the Green Falcons secured a historic victory over eventual champions Argentina.
Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki said: 鈥淗osting a FIFA World Cup in 2034 would help us achieve our dream of becoming a leading nation in world sport and would mark a significant milestone in the country鈥檚 transformation. As an emerging and welcoming home for all sports, we believe that hosting a FIFA World Cup is a natural next step in our football journey.鈥
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the 抖阴短视频n Football Federation, stated: 鈥淲e believe the time is right for 抖阴短视频 to host the FIFA World Cup.
鈥淥ur bid is driven by a love for the game and a desire to see it grow in every corner of the world. We want to celebrate our football culture and share our country with the world.
鈥淲e are embracing 抖阴短视频鈥檚 enthusiasm for innovation and growth as we make our bid for this iconic tournament; the Kingdom鈥檚 transformation journey is the driving force behind our bid. We are committed to hosting an exceptional event that celebrates the game, captivates players and fans, and inspires future generations.
鈥淭o be in a position to bid to host a FIFA World Cup is only possible with the full support of the Kingdom鈥檚 leadership and we thank them for their continued committed to drive the country forward and open up new opportunities,鈥 Al-Misehal added.
As the FIFA World Cup expands to a 48-team tournament from 2026 onwards, tournament logistics are front of mind for players, officials, and fans. 抖阴短视频 will host all matches in the Kingdom, streamlining travel, optimizing match scheduling, and providing unique fan experiences across host venues and cities.
A young and vibrant nation with over 70 percent of its population under the age of 35, 抖阴短视频 is also home to one of the strongest leagues in Asia, the Saudi Pro League. Welcoming and engaging fans from across the globe, the league is home to some of the best Saudi talent and international star players from over 45 different countries.
SAFF鈥檚 commitment to invest and grow the game at every level across the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 game is highlighted by recent notable achievements including winning the men鈥檚 U-23 AFC Asian Cup, 160 percent increase in youth football investment, opening 18 youth regional training centers, increasing registered coaches from 750 in 2018 to over 5,500 today, and witnessing an increase of 56 percent and 86 percent in registered male and female players respectively since 2021.
抖阴短视频鈥檚 ambition to grow the game and create new opportunities across the ecosystem is equaled in the women鈥檚 game. Since 2019, SAFF has successfully established a senior women鈥檚 and U-17 national teams, two professional women鈥檚 leagues featuring 38 clubs, and a school girls league which welcomed over 48,000 girls in its first week. In just 2 years, there has also been an 800 percent growth in the number of female coaches.
