Saudi Arabia has submitted a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 teams across 15 stadiums in five cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the proposed linear city of Neom.
The proposal is titled "Growing Together."
The bid proposes constructing 11 new stadiums, such as a 46,000-seat venue set 300-350 meters above ground level in Neom, powered by renewable energy, and the Roshn Stadium resembling amethysts.
The bid includes extensive infrastructure projects like new airports, train lines, and bus services to accommodate visitors, with construction costs potentially reaching hundreds of billions of dollars. The final is proposed to be held in a 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia's leaders have promised a discrimination-free environment for the 2034 World Cup bid. Human rights organizations raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community.
Extreme summer temperatures in Saudi Arabia may require a winter schedule for the 2034 World Cup and cooperation with local leagues.
Hosting the World Cup is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The bid document pledges to engage with state agencies and the International Labor Organization to ensure equitable wages and working conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.
Saudi Arabia has gained a reputation as a global sports and entertainment hub with transformative changes in the football and sports sectors. The Saudi Pro League has become one of the strongest leagues in Asia with increased competitiveness and international player representation.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole bidder for the 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew, as per FIFA rules for that region, and is preparing to host the men's Asian Cup in 2027, ensuring compliance with FIFA's bidding requirements for the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Saudi Arabia's football progress during a meeting with the country's sports officials in Paris and mentioned Saudi Arabia's efforts in developing women's football during his visit to watch a women's league game last year.
Approval for the 2030 and 2034 bids is expected at a virtual FIFA Congress on December 11.
Qatar has expressed support for Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup in a statement from the foreign ministry.
Sources: BBC, New York Times, Business Insider, Forbes, ABC News, Mashable, Arab News, Middle East Eye, Asharq Al-Awsat, TechSpot, ARY News, FourFourTwo, Gulf Business, BusinessDay, World Soccer Talk, Foreign Affairs, Saudi Gazette, US News, The National, Daily Mail, Doha News.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
