A Bold Vision: Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious World Cup Plan for 2034
Saudi Arabia has officially stepped into the spotlight of global football with a bold statement—they’re ready to host a 64-team FIFA World Cup in 2034. The announcement, made by the Saudi Sports Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence and investment in international sports. With FIFA already naming Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 men’s World Cup, this new development could reshape the future of the tournament—again.
From 32 to 64 Teams: The Evolution of the World Cup
The FIFA World Cup has seen a steady expansion over the decades. From 32 teams in 2022 to a confirmed 48-team format for 2026 (co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico), the global football stage keeps getting bigger. Now, Saudi Arabia is prepared to raise the bar further, expressing support for a 64-team tournament if FIFA decides to green-light it.
While FIFA hasn’t yet confirmed this proposal, the willingness of Saudi Arabia to accommodate such an expansive event is making headlines. The Kingdom’s proposal comes amid CONMEBOL’s suggestion to host the 2030 World Cup across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco with 64 teams—a proposal that has sparked some division among football federations.
Saudi Arabia’s Readiness: Infrastructure, Pilgrimage Experience, and Vision 2030
Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the Kingdom’s capabilities, pointing to existing infrastructure that handles millions of Islamic pilgrims each year. This year alone, four million people visited Mecca for Umrah during Ramadan, with five million expected for the upcoming Hajj season.
Hosting such immense crowds year after year has given Saudi Arabia vital experience in crowd management, logistics, and large-scale event execution—skills that would be directly transferable to hosting the biggest football tournament in history.
The sports minister shared:
“We’re ready, or we will be ready, inshallah (God willing). If that’s a decision FIFA takes and thinks is good for everyone, we’re more than happy to deliver on it.”
This statement underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to aligning its sports ambitions with global expectations.
Infrastructure Plans: 15 Stadiums Promised by 2032
As part of its bid, Saudi Arabia has committed to building or renovating 15 stadiums by 2032. These stadiums will be ready well ahead of the 2034 tournament and are expected to be state-of-the-art, catering to modern international standards. While the use of migrant labor in these projects has drawn criticism, the Kingdom asserts that its legal framework prioritizes national security and development.
Addressing Controversy: Sportswashing and Human Rights Concerns
Despite its efforts to emerge as a global sporting hub, Saudi Arabia continues to face criticism from rights organizations. Detractors accuse the Kingdom of “sportswashing”—using major sports events to divert attention from human rights issues.
Saudi officials, however, strongly deny these allegations and maintain that their investments in sport are genuine steps toward economic and social development as part of Vision 2030, a long-term strategy to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil.
What’s Next?
While FIFA is yet to approve the idea of a 64-team tournament in 2034, Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach signals their eagerness to redefine football’s global reach. If the proposal is accepted, the 2034 FIFA World Cup could become a landmark moment in the history of the sport—both in scale and in location.
With an unmatched blend of vision, infrastructure readiness, and passion for sport, Saudi Arabia is not just preparing to host a tournament; it’s preparing to make history.
Stay tuned to Bridesandyou.com for more updates on the 2034 FIFA World Cup and other major international events reshaping the world of sports and culture.