Saudi Arabia has initiated plans to submit a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, proposing the inclusion of the NEOM giga-development in the northeastern region of the country as one of the venues.
According to The Times, the original idea of co-hosting the tournament in 2030 with Egypt and Greece has been abandoned, and Saudi Arabia is now focusing on a solo bid for the 2034 World Cup.
As part of its bid, Saudi Arabia envisions hosting matches within the NEOM project, potentially at the Trojena ski resort, which has already secured the rights to host the 2029 Winter Games.
The mountainous resort and other high-altitude locations in the country are being considered for hosting games in a summer tournament. Alternatively, a winter tournament, similar to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, could also be an option.
Investing in sports
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in sports, attracting high-profile football players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar to play in the country.
Additionally, the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, and the country’s Public Investment Fund owns a significant stake in Newcastle United football club in the UK.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is also a major investor in the NEOM development, which includes the ski resort and a 170-kilometer-long city called THE LINE.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with joint bids from Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay competing to host the 2030 tournament.
