Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 World Cup as Australia Withdraws Bid
Saudi Arabia has emerged as the sole bidder to host the 2034 World Cup after Australia pulled out of the running on the deadline day. This decision paves the way for the Middle Eastern nation to secure the hosting rights for the prestigious tournament. Saudi Arabia launched its bid in September, as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 project, aimed at transforming the country.
One of the key components of Vision 2030 is the construction of a brand new £1 trillion mega-city, known as NEOM. This futuristic city could potentially serve as the host for the entire World Cup. The Saudi Arabian government is determined to make this event a grand success and is even willing to suspend its ban on alcohol, despite being a strict Muslim country, in order to attract football supporters from around the globe.
Australia, on the other hand, had launched a last-ditch bid to host the 2034 World Cup. The Australian team had impressed at the Qatar tournament, reaching the last-16 before being eliminated by eventual winners Argentina. However, their hopes were dashed when Football Australia announced their withdrawal from the bidding process. The Aussies now have their sights set on hosting the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup instead.
In a statement, Football Australia explained their decision: “We have explored the opportunity 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. We wish FIFA and the eventual hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2034 the greatest success for the good of the game and for everyone who loves our sport.”
Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the World Cup in 2034 aligns with their broader vision of becoming a global sporting hub. The country has been investing heavily in sports infrastructure and has successfully hosted major events such as the Dakar Rally and the Formula E championship. Hosting the World Cup would be a significant milestone in their efforts to establish themselves as a premier destination for international sporting events.
The decision to award the hosting rights to Saudi Arabia is not without controversy. The country has faced criticism for its human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers. However, FIFA, the governing body of world football, has stated that it will conduct a thorough evaluation of all bids before making a final decision. It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed in the evaluation process.
The 2034 World Cup is still more than a decade away, but preparations are already underway. Saudi Arabia will need to invest in infrastructure, including stadiums, transportation systems, and accommodation facilities, to ensure a successful tournament. The mega-city of NEOM presents an exciting opportunity to create a state-of-the-art venue that showcases the country’s technological advancements and commitment to sustainability.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 World Cup, football fans around the world eagerly anticipate the tournament. It will be an opportunity for the Middle Eastern nation to showcase its rich culture, hospitality, and passion for the beautiful game. With its grand ambitions and determination to make this event a success, Saudi Arabia is poised to deliver a World Cup experience like no other.