Saudi Arabia continues to make splashes in the sports world, with the news that the Middle Eastern country is now set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
It was announced that Saudi Arabia would be awarded the World Cup after Australia — which co-hosted this summer’s Women’s World Cup — decided to pull out of the running. The deadline to submit a bid for the tournament was Tuesday, October 31.
With Australia’s decision not to bid, Saudi Arabia is now unopposed.
Saudi Arabia looks set to host the 2034 World Cup after Australia decided not to bid for the tournament 🏆
The deadline for any further bids is today. pic.twitter.com/AzOJfRSpOJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 31, 2023
Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports, with soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Sadio Mane, and Rayid Mahrez being lured to the Saudi Pro League.
Saydu Arabia’s Crown Prime Mohammed bin Salman and the Saudi Public Investment Fund also own LIV Golf and Newcastle FC.
Saudi Arabia Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal said that the World Cup bid “constitutes an important and natural step in our journey as a country passionate about football.”
The Saudis can expect to see plenty of criticism leading up to the 2034 World Cup — much like Middle Eastern neighbor Qatar saw for last year’s tournament — but criticism of their investments into sports has not held the country back before.
