Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034, marking a truly historic moment for the Kingdom.
The decision to stage football's showpiece event in Saudi Arabia for the first time was ratified on Wednesday during an extraordinary FIFA Congress session, which was held virtually. In holding the global finals, Saudi will become the first sole hosts of a 48-team World Cup.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation officially unveiled its Bid Book in July under the tagline “Growing. Together”. The 2034 bid was extensive, last month prompting it to be awarded a score of 419.8 out of 500 in FIFA's evaluation report - a record high for a World Cup bid rating.
The bid proposed five host cities - Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM - which will house 15, state-of-the-art stadiums in all. The capital alone will provide the setting for eight venues.
The new King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh will serve as the centrepiece and, as such, will host the FIFA World Cup 2034's opening match as well as the final. It will also become home to the Saudi Arabia national team.
Speaking last month during a tour of the Saudi 2034 bid exhibition in Riyadh, Al Hilal and Brazil superstar Neymar described the project as “the best I’ve ever seen in my life” for both players and fans.
“It has all the potential to be the best World Cup ever,” Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer added.
Neymar, one of the most prominent players to join the Roshn Saudi League last year, said in relation to showcasing the Kingdom to the world: “People have a different view of Saudi Arabia before they experience it. When they come here, they have a different, very positive, perspective.
"It’s very important for everybody from all over the world to know more about Saudi culture.”
