Saudi Arabia ready to host 2034 World Cup: Sports minister
Saudi Arabia's Sports Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has enthusiastically expressed the nation's readiness to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the potential sporting and economic benefits. In an interview with the BBC, he discussed the possibility of hosting the competition in the summer, highlighting the significance of sports in a country where a majority of the population is under 30 years old. The Prince also acknowledged the substantial investments, over £5 billion ($6.26 billion) since 2021, as part of the Vision 2030 strategy aimed at diversifying the economy beyond fossil fuels.
With the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz confidently asserted the country's preparedness to host football's premier event. He pointed to the successful hosting of more than 85 global events, including high-profile boxing matches, ATP tennis tournaments, and Formula 1 racing, since 2021.
Prince Abdulaziz underlined the goal of attracting global attention through sports, recognizing the youth demographic, with 20 million people below the age of 30. The Prince expressed the country's commitment to developing sports at both the national and international levels.
Regarding the timing of the World Cup, he indicated a willingness to explore the possibility of a summer contest, taking lessons from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which was held in winter to avoid extreme temperatures. The Prince emphasized that the focus is on creating the right atmosphere for the event, whether held in summer or winter.
Addressing concerns about sustainability, Prince Abdulaziz assured that the Kingdom is committed to adhering to international regulations and ensuring an eco-friendly event. He highlighted the significant progress of football in Saudi Arabia, with the influx of high-profile names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar to the Saudi Pro League. The growth extends to grassroots participation, with over 70,000 women and girls regularly engaging in the sport.
The Prince expressed satisfaction with the record numbers of viewership for big matches, emphasizing the global significance of the Saudi Pro League. He concluded by reiterating the goal of developing the league to attract the best talent globally.
