Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambitious Bid to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Saudi Arabia has presented a detailed bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, promising to deliver a tournament across five major cities. The 'Growing Together' bid envisions 15 cutting-edge stadiums and 11 new constructions, including 132 training facilities and 72 dedicated training stadiums. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised Saudi Arabia's progress in football development, highlighting its efforts in growing women's football. The bid comes after Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole bidder for the men's 2034 FIFA World Cup, following Australia's withdrawal from the bidding process.

Key Takeaways:

• Saudi Arabia's bid, 'Growing Together,' proposes hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup across five major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom.
• The bid includes 15 cutting-edge stadiums and 11 entirely new constructions, including 132 training facilities and 72 dedicated training stadiums.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Saudi Arabia's progress in football development, highlighting its efforts in growing women's football.
• Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to grow women's football, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino attending a Saudi Women's Premier League game last December.
• Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole bidder for the men's 2034 FIFA World Cup after the Australian Football Federation withdrew from the bidding process.
• Due to FIFA rules, only Asia or Oceania could bid for the 2034 World Cup.
• Saudi Arabia is set to host the men's Asian Cup in 2027, and a massive construction plan has been implemented to ensure the country qualifies for FIFA's bidding documents.
• Qatar has welcomed Saudi Arabia's desire to bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, expressing hope that the Saudi endeavour will be successful.

Statistics:

• 15 cutting-edge stadiums.
• 11 entirely new constructions.
• 132 training facilities across 15 host cities.
• 72 dedicated training stadiums within specialized training villages for referees.
• 10 unique locations across the host cities for the FIFA Fan Festival.
• 5 major cities proposed for hosting the tournament: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom.
• 48 teams and their support staff will have access to 132 training facilities.
• FIFA World Cup 2034 will be the largest ever with 48 teams participating.

Sources:

• FIFA's official statement on the 2034 World Cup bid, Paris, France.
• Instagram post by Gianni Infantino, FIFA President.
• Qatari foreign ministry statement, October [no date provided].