Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: In a groundbreaking announcement that sent ripples through the global sports community, FIFA officially appointed Saudi Arabia as the host of World Cup 2034, a decision marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's ambitious efforts to reshape its international image and elevate its status on the world stage.

All 211 FIFA Member Associations held a virtual Extraordinary FIFA Congress where they appointed Morocco, Portugal and Spain to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 and selected Saudi Arabia as the host of World Cup 2034.

According to FIFA, the appointment by acclamation of the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 editions of the FIFA World Cup concluded a thorough bidding process initiated in October 2023 following the unanimous proposal made by the FIFA Council and supported by all confederations.

Commenting on this historical announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The 2034 FIFA World Cup, the first of the new century, so to say, of World Cups, will be a spectacular event. What Saudi Arabia has put forward in their bid is absolutely incredible.”

“It's unique, Saudi Arabia, a country that's opening up to the world since a few years with an organization process which is fully on track and the FIFA World Cup will definitely be a catalyst there for social improvements and social change,” Infantino added.

Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to establish its leading position as a global sports hub, demonstrating its progressive approach toward paving the way for a bright future in football.

Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid in July under the slogan "Growing. Together", unveiling its ambitious plans to host the world’s first 48-team FIFA World Cup. The bid proposes matches across 15 stadiums in five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM, in addition to 10 other host locations across the Kingdom.