Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup Bid Surpasses U.S., Canada, and Mexico in FIFA Evaluation

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has received an impressive 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA’s evaluation report, surpassing the 2026 bid from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which scored 4.0. Despite the ambitious nature of the project—several key stadiums remain under construction—Saudi Arabia's proposal impressed FIFA with its visionary plans and innovative stadium designs.

The bid, which includes colossal stadium projects like the 92,760-seater King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, stands out for its ambitious scale. The venues, including those within the sprawling NEOM and Qiddiya developments, aim to not only host world-class football but also to showcase the Kingdom’s modern transformation. The unique configurations and locations, however, come with risks that FIFA identified as medium. The proposed stadiums will not be ready until 2032, but three new venues are set to open in time for the 2027 Asian Cup.

FIFA's report highlights the “elevated risk profile” of the Saudi bid, largely due to the untested, futuristic designs, yet reassures that the country has the time and resources to overcome these hurdles. This includes extensive investments in infrastructure and commitment to creating a legacy beyond the tournament itself.

In contrast, the 2026 bid scored lower despite having 16 stadiums already in place. FIFA noted the low-risk factor of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico’s proposal but indicated that the Saudi bid’s potential for innovation offered a unique opportunity for the future of the game.

As the FIFA Congress prepares to vote next month, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal emphasized that the score was a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the game’s growth and their broader transformation plans under Vision 2030. Despite concerns from groups like Amnesty International regarding human rights, Saudi Arabia has committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights standards as part of its bid.

While Saudi Arabia stands alone for the 2034 World Cup, the 2030 tournament will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, receiving the same 4.2 score in its evaluation. As the world awaits the final decision, the future of the 2034 World Cup will be determined by the FIFA vote next month, with Saudi Arabia hoping its bold, ambitious vision will win over the global football community.