Spain: FIFA has officially awarded Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking another significant milestone for the country in its bid to elevate football on the global stage. This announcement comes alongside the reveal of the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosts, which will be a joint effort between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid for the 2034 World Cup follows the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, another Arab nation. The 2022 World Cup saw Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, claim their third title after a dramatic final against France that ended 3-3, with Argentina triumphing in a penalty shootout 4-2.
The Kingdom has made significant strides in football in recent years, including heavy investments to elevate the sport domestically. One of the notable moves was securing a landmark deal with Cristiano Ronaldo, offering him a $200 million annual contract to play in the Saudi Pro League, signaling the country’s ambition to become a football powerhouse.
The 2030 World Cup, on the other hand, will be the first time three countries (Spain, Portugal, and Morocco) jointly host the tournament. The 2026 edition will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will be played across three countries.
