Saudi Arabia stands poised for a potential triumph in hosting the highly anticipated 2034 FIFA World Cup, as the outcome of the next few hours will play a pivotal role. With Australia opting out of the hosting race, the Kingdom remains as the sole contender, significantly boosting their chances of securing the opportunity to organize this prestigious global soccer event.
“We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and – having taken all factors into consideration – we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia (FA) said in a statement.
The withdrawal of Australia from the bidding process significantly enhances the Kingdom’s prospects as a leading contender to host the event.
While FIFA‘s official confirmation as the hosts is pending, it appears highly probable that Saudi Arabia will secure the victory.
Read more: Saudi Arabia Economy: Highest-paid football stars in the Kingdom
Positive expectations
In the same vein, Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe, expressed his confidence in Saudi’s ability to host the FIFA World Cup exceptionally well. Having personally traveled to the country with his team, Howe shared his positive expectations for the Kingdom’s capability to organize and deliver a successful global football tournament.
At a press conference, Howe shared his thoughts on his team’s visits to Riyadh and Jeddah, characterizing them as unique experiences. He further highlighted the exceptional level of organization and attentive hospitality they received during their entire journey. Howe expressed his optimism, stating that if these experiences serve as an indication of what the World Cup could offer, he believes the organization of the tournament would be praiseworthy.
Last month, St James’ Park in Newcastle played host to two international games featuring the Saudi team. The matches were against Costa Rica and South Korea, showcasing a vibrant display of football on an international stage.
Sporting reform
Saudi’s ambition to host the 2034 World Cup represents a significant milestone in their ongoing campaign to establish the Kingdom as a thriving global hub.
Sport plays a pivotal role in the reform agenda led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as it serves as a crucial element in the Kingdom’s transformation into a vibrant tourism and business hub.
Earlier this year, Saudi received the official confirmation to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Additionally, in the previous year, the Kingdom secured the rights to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was successfully hosted by Qatar.
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