Saudi Arabia officially launch sole bid to host the 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia initiated its endeavor to secure the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup on Friday. Given the lack of any competing bids prior to FIFA's deadline in the previous year, the success of Saudi Arabia's bid appears highly probable.

Morocco, Portugal, and Spain have been selected to jointly host the 2030 tournament, while FIFA has restricted the 2034 bidding process to countries from the Asian and Oceania confederations.

Saudi Arabia is poised to become the second Gulf nation to host the prestigious event, following Qatar's successful hosting of the 2022 finals.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has unveiled its "Growing. Together." World Cup campaign, emphasizing the country's efforts to strengthen international relationships through sports.

Despite criticism accusing the oil-rich kingdom of "sportswashing" its human rights record by investing heavily in sports like football, Formula 1, boxing, and golf, Saudi Arabia maintains that it upholds national security through its laws.

SAFF President Yasser Al Misehal emphasized the significance of sharing the country's football achievements with the global audience, highlighting the progress made in both men's and women's football.

The next stage involves submitting the complete bid documents to FIFA in July, with the final decision on the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups expected to be confirmed at a FIFA Congress later in the year.

The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.