Riyadh, December 19, 2024 – The head of Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Hammad Al-Balawi, underscored the Kingdom's commitment and readiness to host the prestigious tournament during his address at the Impact Makers Forum, which commenced in Riyadh on Wednesday. Al-Balawi’s remarks highlighted the strategic importance of the immediate establishment of the Supreme Commission for Hosting the 2034 World Cup, which followed the announcement of Saudi Arabia’s successful bid. This decisive action, according to Al-Balawi, underscores the country’s seriousness and determination in preparing to host what promises to be a transformative event for both the nation and the global football community.
The session at the forum delved into the intricacies of the bid preparation process, showcasing the efforts of a dedicated team of 46 professionals who, in collaboration with over 200 entities, meticulously gathered and analyzed the data necessary to support the bid. Al-Balawi highlighted the significant role played by these collaborative efforts, which facilitated the submission of guarantees—a critical component of the bidding process. Securing such guarantees is often one of the most challenging aspects for nations vying to host major international sporting events, but Al-Balawi expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia’s preparation and the seamless coordination among involved entities made this task achievable.
Al-Balawi also emphasized that securing the 2034 World Cup is not merely a goal in itself, but part of a broader vision for the Kingdom’s sports sector. He stated that the bid was not a random aspiration but the outcome of years of meticulous planning and a steadfast belief in Saudi Arabia’s potential to host world-class events. This success, he explained, reflects the Kingdom’s growing capabilities in infrastructure, logistics, and event management, and aligns with the country’s wider goals of promoting sports as a key pillar of its Vision 2030 initiative.
FIFA’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to manage the logistics of hosting 48 teams across the Kingdom was a central theme in Al-Balawi’s speech. He reassured attendees that the scale and scope of the event, with fans traveling to various cities across the country, would be executed with precision, showcasing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for sports tourism and international events. The 2034 World Cup, Al-Balawi suggested, will not only enhance the Kingdom’s profile on the world stage but also foster economic growth, regional development, and cultural exchange.
With preparations already underway, Saudi Arabia is set to make history in 2034, as it prepares to welcome football fans from around the world. The comprehensive planning and extensive collaboration involved in the bidding process have positioned the Kingdom to deliver an extraordinary World Cup that will leave a lasting legacy for both the nation and the sport of football. Al-Balawi’s comments reflect the enthusiasm and commitment that will undoubtedly define the road to 2034.