Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid: A Bold Vision for Football’s Future
Saudi Arabia’s bid earns historic top evaluation score. -Reuters/Instagram/@thesaudigate
High Technical Score for Saudi Arabia’s Bid
The ambitious proposal by Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 has achieved a high technical score of 4.2 out of 5, which is higher than the 4.0 awarded to the combined bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Despite this outstanding ranking, eight proposed stadiums, including the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, remain unbuilt.
FIFA praised Saudi Arabia’s proposed stadiums, including the NEOM Stadium in “The Line” development and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, for their inventive and unique exteriors. These projects do have certain difficulties, though, and in order to achieve deadlines, careful planning and oversight are necessary.
Football Infrastructure Development on a Grand Scale
35% of FIFA’s evaluation criteria relate to stadium infrastructure, and due to the size and creativity of the planned projects, the Saudi proposal carries a medium risk. Three stadiums are expected to be completed in time for the 2027 Asian Cup; therefore, the country’s ability to complete these projects on time will be vital.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious urban plans, such as NEOM, a futuristic city at the heart of the country’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, is crucial, according to FIFA’s assessment. Saudi Arabia has ensured its capacity to deliver, even if some of the plan has been trimmed back because of increasing costs.
The Path to Football Excellence
Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the growth of football and the country’s swift change is reflected in FIFA’s high score, according to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports. The 2034 bid highlights cooperation within several organizations in the Kingdom to offer a remarkable hosting strategy.
FIFA pointed out that the World Cup might be held in the winter, like Qatar’s 2022 event, to escape the intense summer heat, even if the Saudi proposal did not specify a precise date.
Human Rights Commitments Amid Concerns
FIFA should demand improvements before granting the hosting rights, according to Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance, which have expressed concerns about human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. In return, Saudi Arabia has promised to respect global human rights norms, such as gender equality and labour rights.
Saudi Arabia’s goal for the future of football is high but not without difficulties, demanding international scrutiny and cooperation as the only bidder for 2034.
