Saudi Arabia announced it will bid to host the 2034 World Cup just minutes after the world soccer’s governing body FIFA invited countries from the Asia and Oceania regions to submit bids.
The independent Mirror reported that announcement came shortly after FIFA named Morocco, Spain and Portugal as hosts of the 2030 World Cup, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting the opening matches to mark the tournament’s centenary.
FIFA said that the 2034 World Cup will be held in the Asia or Oceania region, Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa welcomed the decision.
“We strongly believe it paves the way for a more equitable opportunity for all confederations to bid for, and host, the prestigious FIFA World Cup – the pinnacle of world men’s football,” he said.
The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A number of top footballers, such Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema, have recently signed big-money deals with Saudi Pro League clubs.
(Reuters)
