Riyadh, November 30, 2024 – Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™️ has achieved a historic score of 419.8 out of 500 in the FIFA Bid Evaluation Report, the highest ever recorded in the history of the tournament. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Kingdom as it prepares to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. The announcement comes just days ahead of the official decision on the host countries for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, set to be revealed during the extraordinary FIFA Congress on December 11, 2024.
As part of the evaluation process, FIFA conducted a detailed inspection of Saudi Arabia’s proposed cities and facilities in October, reviewing the planned stadiums, training sites, and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s bid is backed by strong leadership, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 playing a key role in the Kingdom’s ability to transform its sports sector. The bid includes ambitious plans to host the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup™️, spread across 15 stadiums in five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. In addition, the tournament would feature 10 other host locations throughout the country.
The bid has garnered wide support from both the public and private sectors, and is seen as a reflection of Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global sports. HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport, expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their pivotal role in the success of the bid. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to growing the game of football and providing a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans. The country’s young population, a deep passion for the sport, and the rapidly growing sports infrastructure are key factors contributing to the Kingdom's successful bid.
The bid has also been reinforced by partnerships with global organizations and highlights the Kingdom’s significant advancements in hosting international events. Saudi Arabia has already established itself as a leader in hosting global sports, having successfully hosted events such as the FIFA Club World Cup™️ and the Formula 1™️ Grand Prix. The 2034 World Cup bid aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, aiming to enhance the nation’s sports infrastructure, boost tourism, and strengthen the economy, all while promoting sustainability through initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative.
The bid will not only showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and sporting transformation but also create lasting legacies in sports development, infrastructure, and global connectivity. It underscores Saudi Arabia's ambition to offer a unique World Cup experience, providing an opportunity to explore its diverse regions and cultures while ensuring a world-class tournament for football fans from around the globe.