Saudi Arabia has officially launched its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, becoming the sole contender for the tournament after no other expressions of interest were received before FIFA's deadline. With Morocco, Portugal, and Spain set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, FIFA restricted the 2034 bidding process to nations from the Asian and Oceania confederations.
Saudi Arabia's bid, titled "Growing. Together.," aims to highlight the nation's growing international partnerships through sports. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) emphasizes the country's significant investments in high-profile sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf.
Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing," using major sporting events to improve its human rights image. However, the country denies these allegations, stating that it protects its national security through its laws.
SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal expressed the importance of showcasing Saudi Arabia's football story to the world. He highlighted the nation's progress in both men's and women's football, inviting the world to join them on this exciting journey.
The next step in the bidding process involves submitting full bid documents to FIFA in July. The hosts for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups will be announced at a FIFA Congress later this year.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Tags: #SaudiArabia, #FIFAWorldCup, #2034WorldCup, #Sportswashing, #HumanRights
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