Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s bid for the FIFA World Cup 2034 has been evaluated by FIFA as exceeding the minimum hosting requirements across all key criteria.

The Kingdom’s ambitious vision, robust infrastructure plans, and alignment with FIFA’s strategic objectives have earned it an overall score of 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA’s technical evaluation. This assessment highlights the country’s readiness to deliver a world-class tournament, backed by substantial government support and a decade-long preparation period.

Infrastructure: A Solid Foundation

One of the cornerstones of Saudi Arabia’s bid is its infrastructure, which FIFA deemed well-planned and capable of meeting the demands of the tournament. The bid includes 15 stadiums spread across five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. This exceeds FIFA’s minimum requirement of 14 stadiums.

Key venues such as the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, which will host the opening match and the final, demonstrate the bid’s emphasis on state-of-the-art facilities. Other standout stadiums include the futuristic NEOM Stadium, designed to integrate sustainability and innovation, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, which combines modern design with entertainment facilities.

In addition to stadiums, the bid addresses accommodation needs comprehensively. Saudi Arabia proposes a mix of existing and planned hotels, ensuring availability for fans, teams, and officials. With 72 team base camp hotels, 60 venue-specific accommodations, and extensive plans for upgrades, the bid guarantees world-class hospitality.

Transport infrastructure is another strength of the bid. High-speed rail networks, modernized airports, and city-specific public transport systems, such as the Riyadh Metro, promise seamless mobility for visitors. While the reliance on air travel for intercity connectivity presents challenges, the bid’s compact tournament layout mitigates potential logistical concerns.

Sustainability and Human Rights Commitments

Saudi Arabia’s bid emphasizes sustainability and human rights, aligning with FIFA’s modern tournament standards. The Kingdom pledges to adhere to ISO 20121 event management standards and the Paris Agreement, integrating renewable energy, sustainable building practices, and eco-friendly transportation solutions into the tournament’s operations.

On human rights, the bid outlines a comprehensive strategy to address potential risks. Saudi Arabia has committed to labor reforms and enhanced accessibility for persons with disabilities, supported by the broader Vision 2030 agenda. FIFA’s evaluation recognizes the substantial efforts made to ensure compliance with international standards and sees the tournament as an opportunity to catalyze further reforms.

Safety, Security, and Medical Readiness

Safety and security are integral to the bid, with Saudi Arabia offering a robust framework for risk management. The country’s counterterrorism capabilities, cybersecurity measures, and history of hosting major events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup 2023, provide a strong foundation for ensuring the safety of fans and participants.

Medical readiness is another area where Saudi Arabia meets FIFA’s standards. The country boasts high-quality healthcare facilities, an established emergency response system, and experience in managing mass gatherings. Plans to expand sports medicine services further strengthen the bid’s appeal.

Legacy and Vision

The Saudi Arabia 2034 bid is deeply intertwined with the country’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and modernize society. Hosting the FIFA World Cup is positioned as a transformative milestone that aligns with the goals of fostering youth development, advancing women’s participation in sports, and enhancing grassroots football.

Legacy planning is a core element of the bid. The proposed stadiums and training facilities are designed with post-tournament uses in mind, ensuring long-term community benefits. Investments in transport and accommodation will also contribute to the Kingdom’s growing status as a global hub for tourism and business.

The bid’s slogan, “Growing Together,” encapsulates its broader ambition to unite global football communities while fostering local development. Saudi Arabia’s plans to collaborate with FIFA and other stakeholders on youth tournaments, eFootball initiatives, and technological advancements further underscore its commitment to the sport’s global growth.

Challenges and Mitigating Factors

While the bid is ambitious, FIFA has identified moderate risks, particularly concerning the delivery timelines of new stadiums and infrastructure projects. However, the strong governmental and private sector backing, combined with a decade of preparation time, provides confidence in the bid’s ability to overcome these challenges. Saudi Arabia’s proven track record in hosting major events further strengthens its case.

Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid represents a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to tournament hosting. By exceeding FIFA’s minimum requirements in infrastructure, commercial viability, sustainability, and organizational readiness, the Kingdom has demonstrated its capability to deliver a memorable and impactful World Cup. With strong alignment to Vision 2030, the bid promises not only to elevate the global game but also to leave a lasting legacy for Saudi Arabia and the wider football community.