Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup bid explained

Country:Saudi Arabia
Sport:Soccer (football)
Tournament:2034 FIFA World Cup
Stadiums:15
Launched:2024
Native Name:ملف السعودية 2034
Cities:5

The Saudia Arabia 2034 bid, is a bid led by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

After Saudi Arabia abandoned its 2030 bid alongside Greece and Egypt, they switched their focus to a solo 2034 bid. Similar strategies to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which was held in November-December as opposed to the usual summer scheduling, may be used to mitigate the country's summer heat, though the Saudi FA have insisted on a plan to host in the summer.[1] The country's bid was announced on 4 October 2023.[2] On 5 October, AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa backed Saudi Arabia's bid.[3] On the 9th, Saudi Arabia announced that it had submitted the official letter of intent, and signed the declaration to FIFA to bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and that over 70 different member associations had already pledged their support for its bid.[4] It will be ratified by the FIFA Congress on 11 December 2024.

Bid process

See main article: 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Major sports events hosting experiences

Venues

The official list of stadiums was confirmed on 31 July 2024. The tournament will be held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Qiddiya, Abha, and Neom with a total of 15 stadiums. The King Salman Stadium could host the opening and final.[5]

List of candidate host cities
City Stadium Capacity
45,000
58,432
Qiddiya Coast Stadium (New) 46,096
Jeddah Development Stadium (New) 45,794
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium (New) 45,700
Aramco Stadium (New) 46,096
46,010
46,979
92,000
70,200
South Riyadh Stadium (New) 40,060
46,855
46,319
Murabba Stadium (New) 46,010
Roshn Stadium (New) 46,000

Support

Football confederations

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Saudi Arabia switches FIFA World Cup bid from 2030 to 2034. 1 September 2023. Inside the Games.
  2. News: 4 October 2023 . Morocco-Spain-Portugal to host 2030 World Cup, Saudi Arabia to bid for 2034 . Al Jazeera . 4 October 2023.
  3. Web site: AFC President welcomes FWC hosting decision, backs SAFF intent to bid for 2034 edition . 5 October 2023 . 5 October 2023 . the-afc.com . Asian Football Confederation.
  4. Web site: Saudi Arabian Football Federation submits official letter of intent to bid for 2034 FIFA World Cup . 9 October 2023 . 9 October 2023 . saff.com.sa . Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
  5. Web site: The Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 Bid Book . 31 July 2024 . 31 July 2024 .