Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 has received an unprecedented evaluation score of 419.8 out of 500, the highest ever recorded in the history of FIFA’s bid evaluations. This milestone underscores the Kingdom’s meticulous preparation, groundbreaking vision, and commitment to hosting a world-class tournament that aligns with FIFA’s goals and the aspirations of millions of football fans worldwide.

The FIFA Bid Evaluation Report highlights Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive and forward-looking approach, rooted in its transformative Vision 2030 initiative. The bid showcases innovative infrastructure, state-of-the-art stadiums, robust sustainability measures, and an exceptional commercial framework that promises significant benefits for the global football community.

Exceptional infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities

The report praises Saudi Arabia’s ambitious infrastructure plans, which include 15 state-of-the-art stadiums across five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. Eight of these stadiums are new constructions, including iconic venues like the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, slated to host both the opening match and the final, and the NEOM Stadium, integrated into the futuristic THE LINE project.

Three stadiums currently under construction, set to host the AFC Asian Cup 2027, further underline the Kingdom’s readiness to deliver on its promises. Each venue has been designed with legacy in mind, ensuring they will serve as community hubs and sports facilities long after the tournament concludes.

Commercial projections exceed expectations

Saudi Arabia’s bid is projected to deliver exceptional commercial outcomes, reinforcing its status as a strong contender for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. According to FIFA’s analysis, revenue from ticketing and hospitality alone is expected to surpass baseline projections by 32%, contributing over $240 million in additional income. This impressive figure is attributed to the Kingdom’s strategic plans to create a robust hospitality infrastructure, offering a mix of premium and general admission options.

The bid also forecasts a 10% increase in global live TV viewership, driven by Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location and time zone advantage (UTC+3), which ensures prime viewing hours for audiences across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Media and marketing rights revenue is expected to rise significantly, further solidifying the tournament’s global appeal.

In addition, FIFA’s overall organizing costs are forecasted to remain below the baseline by approximately $450 million, a testament to the efficiency and competitiveness of Saudi Arabia’s proposed operational framework. Key cost-saving areas include technical services, safety and security, and IT infrastructure.

Sustainability at the core of the bid

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of its bid. The Kingdom’s alignment with the Saudi Green Initiative ensures that the tournament will be environmentally responsible, with renewable energy, sustainable building practices, and ISO 20121 certification as part of the plan. The compact tournament footprint minimizes travel distances for fans and teams, reducing the environmental impact while enhancing the overall experience.

A transformative legacy for football and society

The bid is deeply integrated with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework for economic and social development. Plans include the creation of 25 regional training centers, a dedicated football research institute, and extensive grassroots programs to grow the game among youth and women. The tournament is expected to generate 1.6 million jobs in the sports and tourism sectors by 2030, showcasing its far-reaching impact beyond football.

The FIFA Bid Evaluation Report also emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering global connections through football. The bid’s slogan, “Growing, Together,” reflects the Kingdom’s vision of using the FIFA World Cup 2034 as a platform to unite cultures and inspire future generations.

As FIFA prepares to make its final decision at the Extraordinary Congress on December 11, 2024, Saudi Arabia’s bid stands out as a transformative proposition for the world’s most prestigious football tournament. Combining cutting-edge infrastructure, a robust commercial framework, and a deep commitment to sustainability and legacy, the Kingdom’s record-breaking evaluation score sets a new standard for hosting the FIFA World Cup.