Saudi Arabia Achieves Historic FIFA Score for 2034 World Cup Bid
Saudi Arabia Achieves Historic FIFA Score for 2034 World Cup Bid. SAP
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™ has earned a record-breaking evaluation score of 419.8 out of 500, the highest ever in FIFA’s bidding history. This achievement reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to host a world-class tournament, aligned with its transformative Vision 2030 goals.
Top Marks Ahead of Host Selection
FIFA revealed the score in its Bid Evaluation Report, less than two weeks before the official announcement of hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups at the upcoming FIFA Congress on December 11, 2024. The evaluation followed an October inspection where FIFA officials visited proposed host cities, stadiums, and facilities across Saudi Arabia.
Leadership Driving Success
The bid received strong backing from Saudi Arabia’s leadership, including HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The bid is seen as a pivotal step in achieving the goals of Vision 2030, reflecting the aspirations of the Saudi people.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, expressed gratitude for the leadership’s support:
“This score reflects our commitment to grow football globally and our desire to host an exceptional tournament. It symbolizes the collaboration of all sectors in the Kingdom, united under Vision 2030.”
Ambitious Hosting Plans
Saudi Arabia’s slogan, “Growing. Together,” highlights its commitment to an inclusive and innovative World Cup. The bid proposes matches across 15 modern stadiums in five main cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—alongside 10 additional host locations.
The plan also promises world-class infrastructure, including state-of-the-art training facilities, modern sports venues, and seamless connectivity between cities.
Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, emphasized the leadership’s role in this achievement:
“This historic score reflects our vision to deliver a unique World Cup experience, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and warm hospitality.”
The bid also aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, pledging a sustainable tournament that prioritizes environmental responsibility.
Building on a Legacy of Sporting Excellence
Saudi Arabia has become a hub for global sports, hosting over 100 major events, including the FIFA Club World Cup™ and Formula 1™ Grand Prix. The 2034 World Cup would mark a milestone in showcasing the Kingdom’s progress and its ability to host mega-events.
A Bright Future for Saudi Football
With a youthful population passionate about football, Saudi Arabia’s plans aim to inspire new generations while delivering an unforgettable tournament for fans worldwide. The bid supports Vision 2030’s goals of fostering a vibrant society, enhancing quality of life, and boosting the economy through sports.
