RIYADH — The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced that Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 has achieved an evaluation score of 419.8 out of 500—the highest in the tournament's history. The announcement comes ahead of the official awarding of the FIFA World Cup hosts for 2030 and 2034, set to take place during the extraordinary FIFA Congress on December 11, 2024. As part of the evaluation process, FIFA conducted an inspection visit in October, reviewing proposed host cities, stadiums, and facilities across Saudi Arabia. The bid reflects the Kingdom's commitment to fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2030 and the aspirations of its people. Commenting on the report, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, stated: "Saudi Arabia is a footballing nation with a young population that truly loves the game. This score by FIFA reflects our commitment to growing the sport, our rapid transformation, and our desire to host an exceptional tournament for the world to enjoy." He added, "The bid's success is the result of extensive collaboration across the Kingdom, driven by Vision 2030, which has united all sectors to present a proposal that represents the aspirations of the Saudi people and the Kingdom's leadership." Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid in July under the slogan "Growing. Together." It proposes hosting matches across 15 stadiums in five main cities —Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM— with 10 additional host locations. The bid also aims to deliver the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup to be held in one country. Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, emphasized the bid's focus on providing an extraordinary tournament experience. "Football is at the heart of Saudi culture, and we aim to offer an unforgettable event that showcases the Kingdom's rich heritage and renowned hospitality." Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia's FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit, described the record-breaking score as a testament to the Kingdom's collaborative efforts. "Our bid showcases the progress we've made in football and our commitment to delivering the highest technical standards. With diverse host cities and cutting-edge infrastructure, we aim to create an unparalleled experience for teams, fans, and officials." The bid also aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which has positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in hosting major sports events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and Formula 1 Grand Prix. It further supports the Saudi Green Initiative, ensuring that the tournament is both environmentally sustainable and innovative.
