Seoul, November 2, 2024 — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) took center stage at the 2024 AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations Presidents' and General Secretaries' Conference in Seoul to present Saudi Arabia's ambitious bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™. This conference, titled "Building and Leading Great Organizations," ran alongside the 2023 AFC Awards ceremony, gathering prominent leaders and representatives from the global football community.
During the bid presentation, SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal highlighted the unprecedented support Saudi Arabia has received for its 2034 World Cup bid, with endorsements from over 170 football federations worldwide. Al Misehal expressed that this level of backing underscores the international community's trust in Saudi Arabia's ability to host a global event of this scale. “Fans of Saudi and Asian football are eagerly anticipating December 11,” he noted, referencing FIFA’s upcoming extraordinary general assembly, where the organization will formally announce the host countries for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. Al Misehal also emphasized that hosting the World Cup is a long-held dream for Saudi fans who have displayed enduring enthusiasm for football.
SAFF Secretary General Ibrahim Al-Qasim continued the presentation by showcasing the extensive preparations and resources Saudi Arabia has dedicated to securing this historic opportunity. Addressing a group of distinguished football figures and experts, Al-Qasim detailed Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure, venues, and logistical strengths, all of which demonstrate the Kingdom’s readiness to be the sole host of the 2034 World Cup under the new, expanded tournament format. The presentation underscored Saudi Arabia’s vision of delivering a world-class experience that would resonate with football fans globally.
The conference, inaugurated on Wednesday, drew the attendance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, and leading national and regional federation officials. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit and shared aspirations of the football community, positioning Saudi Arabia as a prominent contender for one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.