Saudi Arabia submits letter of intent to host 2034 FIFA World Cup

Image courtesy: Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Saudi Arabia has submitted a letter of intent and signed the declaration to the world soccer governing body FIFA to host the 2034 World Cup, as the kingdom is ramping up its bid for the event.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said the letter of intent signed by its president Yasser Al Misehal – officially confirms the Gulf state’s commitment to embark on the bid process set out by FIFA.

“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, “ said Al Misehal.

He explained that the 2034 FIFA World Cup is Saudi Arabia’s invitation to the world to witness the kingdom’s development, experience its culture and become part of its history.

It’s official! We have submitted our Letter of Intent to FIFA for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup ✅

This move marks the first formal step in our bid process and confirms our complete commitment to #Saudi2034. This comes after SAFF received support from over 70 Member… pic.twitter.com/DqieSDVo19

— الاتحاد السعودي لكرة القدم (@saudiFF) October 9, 2023

SAFF said Saudi Arabia’s intention to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a historic first. It reflects the nation’s aim to unlock new football opportunities at all levels and its commitment to support the game’s growth globally.

The kingdom’s soccer governing body said since it declared its intention last week to bid for the tournament, “more than 70 FIFA Member Associations from across different continents have publicly pledged their support for the kingdom.”

Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced its bid to host the World Cup last week after FIFA invited member associations from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation to submit bids.

The Arab world’s biggest economy intends to deliver a world-class tournament and draws inspiration from its ongoing social and economic transformation in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia has qualified for the iconic tournament on six occasions since 1994 – most recently in 2022 – when the country’s national team, the Green Falcons, secured a historic victory over eventual champions Argentina.

“Hosting a FIFA World Cup in 2034 would help us achieve our dream of becoming a leading nation in world sport and would mark a significant milestone in the country’s transformation,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

As the FIFA World Cup expands to a 48-team tournament from 2026 onwards, tournament logistics are front of mind for players, officials, and fans.

Saudi Arabia plans to host all matches within its borders streamlining travel, optimising match scheduling, and providing unique fan experiences across host venues and cities.

Sports is one of the pillars of the country’s global ambitions under the Vision 2030 plan that seeks to build new industries and create jobs.

Over the years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a sporting hub and an international destination for hosting major events, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, economic strength and the ambition of its people.

Read: Saudi Arabia launches bid to host FIFA World Cup 2034