Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid

SAUDI FOOTBALL AMBITION & TRANSFORMATION

Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest and most exciting growth stories in world football. Our bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034™ fits seamlessly within our National Football Strategy (due to be launched) and its clear goal: to grow the game for all. We want to see more players, more coaches and more spectators.

The FIFA World Cup 2034™ will be a national celebration that supports our ambition to become a top-tier football nation as well as being a step forward for the sport across our region and for the global football ecosystem.

FOOTBALL

The FIFA World Cup 2034™ will be a national celebration that supports our ambition to become a top-tier football nation as well as being a step forward for the sport across our region and for the global football ecosystem.

Our goal is clear: to grow the game for all – for men and women, for boys and girls. We want to see more players, more coaches, and more spectators.

Our bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™ has been developed in alignment with our long-term strategy for domestic football development.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is committed to growing the game in Saudi Arabia in four main areas:

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah

ELITE MEN'S GAME DEVELOPMENT

Hosted the FIFA Club World Cup 2023™ and will host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

FIFA World Cup™ qualifications

AFC Asian Cup titles

155+

countries broadcast the Saudi Pro League (SPL), with average attendances of 20k+ at matches

$300M

annual investment catalyzing football club development

50+

national teams matches & camps hosted

Elite and Wider Women's Game Development

Huge progress in developing interest and grassroots participation for women and girls.

elite leagues established to develop the semi-professional game

1K+

registered elite female players

70K+

girls playing football in Schools League

SINCE 2021

our women's national team has already gained a FIFA ranking, and secured its first trophy

women's football academies established since 2021

Youth Football Development

Commitment to continued investment in the youth game to develop the best footballing generation in the country.

100+

schools involved in a national scouting scheme

170+

coaches involved in a national scouting scheme

200K+

players in the Schools League

25+

regional training centers planned for development

4K+

football coaches in 2023, up from 700 in 2019

Grassroots Football Development

Create even greater interest in the game by expanding awareness, competitions and education programs.

JOB CREATION

The Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid presents huge economic opportunity for local and international business, and all members of society. Beyond those offered directly by the  tournament itself, opportunities will emerge in the hospitality, food and beverage, tourism, and infrastructure sectors throughout the journey of preparing for and hosting the World Cup.

Saudi Arabia has enjoyed a dramatic uptick in volunteering since the launch of Vision 2030, up from 23K in 2015 to 834K in 2023. The tournament will provide further opportunities for volunteers throughout the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034™, strengthening social bonds, upskilling would-be volunteers, and giving experience to the younger generation.

Youth national team training session

COMMUNITY GROWTH

A Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 will be remembered for generations to come, for football and for its impact on all sectors of society.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in sport, and the planned investments to come as part of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034, provide a platform for the promotion of shared values,

  community cohesion, and development. Through sport, participants experience the joy of teamwork, a respect for rules, and the importance of fair play and respect. For example, the training centers, both existing and new, will be available for the benefit of all football in Saudi Arabia after the tournament.

In addition to Saudi Arabia’s professional teams, women’s football, boys and girls youth football, all levels of grassroots activity will be boosted by this significant investment. More facilities help to expend participation in sports in general – and in football in particular – is a  critical element in our effort to improve people’s health and well-being in Saudi Arabia, which is itself a key goal of Vision 2030. Adjacent to these investments and facilities will be the development of global relationships, as we are keen to play our part in regional and global football development and opportunity. Delivering on this ambition, SAFF will launch a research institute to foster football exchanges and development.

The tournament will attract participants and fans from across the world, joining together in Saudi Arabia to celebrate the joy of football. In line with the increasing number of visitors to Saudi Arabia every year, this influx of visitors will provide an economic boost to local communities and businesses. The spill-over effects of infrastructure and stadia development will equally boost the local economy and offer opportunities to improve quality of life for residents.

FIFA Football For Schools

Committed to a responsible and respectful tournament

Saudi Arabia has a deep commitment to protecting human rights, enshrined in Saudi Arabia’s Basic Law of Governance and legislative framework, and enriched by Vision 2030: a bold and comprehensive plan that is transforming Saudi Arabia into an ambitious nation with a thriving economy, vibrant society, and becoming a central hub for culture, entertainment, and sport.

We recognize that our hosting of the Competition would bring opportunity and responsibility to uphold human rights throughout this journey and beyond. We are confident in our ability to deliver a responsible and respectful tournament as proven by our successful track record in hosting international events.

Throughout the development of our bid, and in line with the FIFA requirements, we have championed a human rights approach, leveraging the expertise from across the Kingdom and beyond. In line with the objectives of Vision 2030, we commit to managing risk and maximizing positive social impact throughout the tournament and to deliver a Competition that adheres to Saudi Arabia’s human rights commitments, culture, and values.
This has a number of positive outcomes, including:

LABOR RIGHTS

Upholding our commitments concerning forced labor, child labor, non-discrimination, and occupational safety and health, and striving to ensure our partners uphold these standards.

anti-discrimination

Cultivating a competitive environment free of discrimination and striving to eradicate all forms of discrimination; in line with our laws and commitments.

accessibility

Providing accessible infrastructure and services to ensure that everyone can participate in and enjoy the event, in line with FIFA's accessibility requirements.

safeguarding

Taking proactive action to protect people, especially children, in line with recognized standards and our commitments.

security

Working with the relevant government authorities and stakeholders to ensure the safety of participants and attendees in line with our international commitments to uphold human rights.

A view from Soudah Mountains, Aseer Province

A responsible & respectful football future

Should we be honored to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™, it would serve as a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate our continuing commitment to sustainability and the environment alongside our passion for football. By making environmental sustainability a central theme of our bid, we aim to create a lasting environmental legacy that will inspire future generations.

Saudi Arabia has been a pioneer in the development of sustainability laws and initiatives. Vision 2030 promotes sustainability and inclusive development across all aspects of society and Saudi Arabia has committed to a greener future and net-zero by 2060 utilizing the four Rs of the circular carbon economy: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove. Through the national Saudi Green Initiative, and the Kingdom’s regional leadership of the Middle East Green Initiative, Saudi Arabia unites others in collective action and shared objectives.

Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034™ bid will build upon the progress already made in the Kingdom, and by aligning with Vision 2030, we will ensure our initiatives are integrated into the broader vision for a more sustainable future. With resources already invested, we are well-positioned to make a positive impact on environmental sustainability.

Together with host cities, a Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 will mitigate against environmental impacts as a result of preparing for and hosting the tournament across transportation, accommodation, stadia and infrastructure, waste, and energy. Our proposed mitigation measures include energy management and optimization, sustainable building methods and the use of sustainable building materials, waste management initiatives and education, and maximizing the use of existing infrastructure.

We are committed to showcasing our environmental stewardship and building upon our existing efforts to maximize sustainability. Our approach aligns with FIFA's goals and aims to deliver a lasting legacy of positive change through Responsible hosting; prioritizing sustainability; and minimizing environmental impact.

Vision & Legacy

SAUDI FOOTBALL AMBITION & TRANSFORMATION