Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has earned a groundbreaking evaluation score, marking the highest rating ever in the history of the tournament. The Kingdom’s bid received an impressive score of 419.8 out of 500, setting a new benchmark in FIFA’s evaluation process.
This announcement comes ahead of the official decision on the hosts for the FIFA World Cups of 2030 and 2034, which will be finalized at the FIFA Congress on December 11. Saudi Arabia’s bid, submitted in July under the slogan “Growing Together,” aligns with the nation’s Vision 2030, which seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in hosting major international sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, emphasized that the bid aims to provide a world-class tournament experience. “Football is at the heart of Saudi culture, and we intend to deliver an unforgettable event that highlights the Kingdom’s rich heritage and renowned hospitality,” he said.
The evaluation process included an inspection visit to the proposed host cities, stadiums, and facilities in October. Saudi Arabia’s bid proposes using 15 stadiums in five major cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—with plans for 10 additional host locations. The Kingdom is aiming to host the first-ever 48-team World Cup to be held in one country.
Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit, stated, “Our bid reflects the progress we have made in football and our commitment to meeting the highest technical standards. With diverse host cities and state-of-the-art infrastructure, we aim to create an unparalleled experience for teams, fans, and officials.”
