Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday, Oct. 4, that it plans to bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
According to a statement from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the bid “intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the country’s deep-rooted passion for football.”
The announcement comes one year after neighboring Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East, where the Saudi national team stunned eventual winners Argentina in the group round.
The Saudi announcement came an hour after FIFA, the world football’s governing body, issued a statement outlining its plans for the 2030 World Cup and encouraging Asian Football Confederation countries to apply for 2034.
In the coming weeks, the kingdom is set to host the final LIV Golf League tournament of the regular season, a boxing match featuring Anthony Joshua and the Next Gen ATP Finals tennis tournament.
It will also host the FIFA Club World Cup in December.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of football’s 2027 Asian Cup.
This tournament will allow Saudi officials to build on current football infrastructure, with new “world-class stadiums” built “in the most sustainable ways,” according to Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal.
Saudi Arabia earlier considered a tri-continental World Cup candidacy with Egypt and Greece, but that idea was scrapped.
Fans will face “maximum three-hour flying times between cities and stadiums” under the new Saudi-only bid, according to Misehal.
The Asian Football Confederation endorsed Saudi Arabia’s application for the 2034 World Cup shortly after it was unveiled on Wednesday.
“I am delighted to note that the (Saudi football federation) have presented their intention to bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2034,” said AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.
“The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success.”