In a recent development, Football Australia pulled out of the race to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and it is a very good news for Saudi Arabia who have been very determined to welcome the globe’s event. They might as well become the only 2nd Middle-eastern country to host the event after Qatar did in 2022.
Saudi Arabia had also made attempts to get the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World cup. However, the apex International footballing body decided to award the WC to Morocco, Spain, Portugal while Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay hosting a few matches as well.
It will be for the first time that the quadrennial event will be played in 2 different continents and it has a special reason too. In 2030, the Football world cup will get 100-years-old and in order to respect it, South American nations will host commemorative matches as Uruguay were the first ever host nation.
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup (football)!
Will the Neom city be ready by then? pic.twitter.com/YfVGALUGAm
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) October 31, 2023
But 4 years later, a new revolution could start when Saudi Arabia welcomes one of the biggest sporting events. The gulf country has been evidently making a lot of efforts to promote and develop Football in their homeland.
It all started when Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr signing of Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo last year. That acted like a catalyst and somewhat a chain reaction started within the Middle-east. Al-Ittihad then signed Karim Benzema, Al-Hilal signed Neymar, Al-Ettifaq signed Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson both while Al-Ahli signed Riyadh Mahrez.
All of these names were active in Europe last year and they bring invaluable experience that will help Saudi Arabian football geow.
“We have explored the opportunity to bid 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.” – a Football Australia official said.
A fun fact for the conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo might get some bonus money as he actively participated to help Saudi host the world cup.
