Riyadh, October 09, 2023, On Monday, October 9th, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) took a significant step forward by submitting a formal letter of intent (LOI) and a signed declaration to FIFA, officially expressing their intention to bid for the honor of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup™.
This ambitious bid was initially announced by Saudi Arabia on October 4th, marking a historic moment in the nation's sporting history. The LOI, signed by SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal, solidifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to engaging in the rigorous bid process outlined by FIFA.
The decision to vie for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™ is emblematic of Saudi Arabia's aspirations to create fresh football prospects at every level and bolster the global growth of the sport. Drawing inspiration from the country's social and economic transformation under the Vision 2030 initiative, as well as its longstanding passion for football, a Saudi bid for 2034 seeks to extend a warm welcome to the world. It promises to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable event for football enthusiasts worldwide.
Yasser Al Misehal, President of SAFF, expressed his thoughts on this momentous occasion, stating, "This is the second step of a hugely exciting journey that the nation is embarking on. Last week we announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup™, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality. The 2034 FIFA World Cup is our invitation to the world to witness Saudi Arabia's development, experience its culture and become part of its history. We are extremely committed to presenting the most competitive bid possible that will also help unite the world through football."
Remarkably, within just 72 hours of SAFF's declaration of intent, more than 70 FIFA Member Associations from various continents have publicly pledged their support for Saudi Arabia's bid.
Saudi Arabia, renowned for hosting numerous major global sporting events since 2018, has become a hub for international competitions in a variety of sports, including football, motorsports, tennis, equestrianism, esports, and golf.
Further details about Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™ will be unveiled in due course, as the nation takes bold strides toward becoming a focal point for football's most prestigious tournament.
