Saudi Arabia favourite to host 2034 World Cup after formally informing FIFA of its wish

09.10.2023 - 13:21 cbc.ca

Saudi Arabia formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men's World Cup in 2034 on Monday in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the kingdom to win.

The Saudi Arabian soccer federation said it "submitted a letter of intent and signed declaration to FIFA to bid" in a vote that is open only to members of the Asian and Oceania soccer governing bodies.

FIFA fast-tracked starting the 2034 contest last week after its ruling body also agreed to accept only one candidate for the 2030 World Cup — now an unprecedented six-nation, three-continent co-hosting plan in Europe, Africa and South America that removed those continents from bidding to get back-to-back tournaments.

The Spain-Portugal-Morocco-Argentina-Paraguay-Uruguay project in 2030 will follow the inaugural 48-team, 104-game tournament in 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Football FIFA President information cup Qatar Spain Portugal Usa Argentina Australia Mexico Canada New Zealand Morocco Saudi Arabia Uruguay Paraguay

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will next year host the Spanish Super Cup for the fourth time, from Jan. 10 to 14, the Ministry of Sport announced on Wednesday.

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Saudi 2034 World Cup bid boosted by full AFC support, FIFA’s Asian tournament pledge

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s FIFA-favored bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 passed on Wednesday one of the few barriers left in what seems an inevitable win. One week after revealing talks with Australia about bidding to co-host the 2034 World Cup, Indonesian soccer leader Erick Thohir said his federation is now with Saudi Arabia. Thohir’s change of plan was detailed in a statement on the Indonesian soccer federation website hours before an online meeting of the Asian Football Confederation, whose 47 members include Australia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged AFC members to “be united for the 2034 World Cup.” Infantino has long been a close ally of Saudi soccer and the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and FIFA’s surprise decision two weeks ago to fast-track bidding for the 2034 men’s tournament was seen as favorable for them. AFC members responded quickly to Infantino’s urging and the Japan federation proposed united support behind the Saudi bid backed by Uzbekistan, Lebanon and India. “Japan has a plan to host the FIFA World Cup by 2050 but now it’s time for Asia to get united and make a single bid (for 2034),” Japanese federation official Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said, praising Saudi Arabia for a “long football history, massive passion and a wonderful vision for 2034.” Australian officials did not take part in the online discussion. After an initial technical problem connecting to the meeting, Saudi federation president Yasser al Misehal said: “It’s always known that Asia is always united.” “We have been overwhelmed by a huge number of supporting letters, announcements from all over the world.

Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup Bid Boosted After This Decision

One week after revealing talks with Australia about bidding to co-host the 2034 World Cup, Indonesian soccer leader Erick Thohir said on Wednesday that his federation now supports Saudi Arabia. Thohir's change of plan was detailed in a statement on the Indonesian soccer federation website hours before an online meeting of the Asian Football Confederation, whose 47 members include Australia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged AFC members to "be united for the 2034 World Cup."

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Indonesia's football federation (PSSI) said on Wednesday they are backing Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 World Cup, a week after PSSI president Erick Thohir said they were in talks with Australia about a possible joint bid for the event.