Saudi Arabia has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2034, marking a monumental achievement in the Kingdom’s history. The announcement comes as part of FIFA’s plan for an expanded 48-team format, with matches set to take place in five cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and the futuristic NEOM.
Social Media Erupts in Celebration
The historic moment has sparked widespread celebrations and congratulations from industry leaders and football enthusiasts across LinkedIn and beyond.
Mohamed Ali Imdad, Business Development Manager at DHL Express Qatar, said:
“Congratulations to Saudi Arabia for this remarkable achievement of hosting FIFA 2034 and to be the 2nd Arabic country after Qatar to have such a potential and substantial progression for their country and the nation…Many more yet to come ISA and All the best ahead 💪”
Thorsten Nowak, an international business development strategist, wrote:
“This is not just a testament to the Kingdom’s growing influence in global sports but also an incredible opportunity to showcase the nation’s rich culture, hospitality, and vision for the future. Wishing the organizers every success as they embark on this exciting journey.”
Mark White, a director in the energy and infrastructure sectors, commended the Kingdom’s leadership: “Saudi Arabia has made it a habit to turn dreams into reality. Truly the land of many opportunities for everyone!”
From the football community, Taufique Ahmed, AVP at Asia Football Group, celebrated the announcement with: “Many congratulations to all my friends and colleagues in KSA! It is official now!”
Others highlighted the transformative power of this event, such as Nasir Shah, a traffic engineering consultant, who noted: “Considering the geographical and economic size of Saudi Arabia, this will be one of FIFA’s greatest events. The next 10 years will make Saudi Arabia a Disneyland of infrastructure development.”
A Landmark for Vision 2030
The awarding of the FIFA World Cup 2034 aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for economic diversification and international collaboration. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious reforms and investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and tourism have paved the way for the Kingdom’s emergence as a global sporting hub.
A Growing Legacy
Saudi Arabia’s success follows its recent track record of hosting prestigious global events, including Formula 1, the Dakar Rally, and the Spanish Super Cup. These events have not only boosted tourism—surpassing 100 million visitors in 2023—but also showcased the Kingdom’s ability to execute large-scale, world-class events.
A New Era for Football
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034 will make it the second Arab nation to hold football’s biggest tournament after Qatar in 2022. The move is set to highlight the Middle East’s rising prominence in global sports and provide an unparalleled experience for fans worldwide.
As one commenter, Marcel Ridyard, Associate Director at AFL Architects, aptly put it:
“Great news and congratulations to the bidding team. Looking forward to the next 10 years!”
With unmatched enthusiasm and the world watching, Saudi Arabia is poised to deliver an unforgettable World Cup, uniting people from across the globe through the power of football.
