Saudi Arabia Launches Bid to Host FIFA World Cup 2034 with Visionary Campaign
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially embarked on a historic journey, announcing its bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 with the visionary campaign theme “Growing. Together.” This bold initiative, marked by the submission of an official letter of intent and a signed declaration to FIFA, signifies Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to host the 48-team tournament as a single nation for the first time.
The campaign is underpinned by three foundational pillars — Growing People. Together., Growing Football. Together., and Growing Connections. Together. These pillars encapsulate the intertwined growth of the country, its people, and the global football community, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s dynamic development and the potential transformative impact of hosting the World Cup.
In the past six years, Saudi Arabia has been a prominent host for over 100 international events across nearly 40 sports, establishing active football partnerships with over 100 countries. Yasser Al Misehal, President of SAFF, emphasized the bid as an opportunity to share Saudi Arabia’s football narrative with the world, showcasing the country’s progressive advancements in football for both men and women.
The bid’s logo, featuring intertwined ribbons forming the number ’34’ and outlining the country’s map, symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s youthful spirit, cultural richness, and diversity. The logo’s colors — Desert Amber, Oasis Green, Radiance Red, Rich Lavender, and Sunrise Yellow — represent various facets of Saudi heritage and aspirations.
Accompanying the bid is a compelling short film narrated by Layan Jouhari, a midfielder for the Saudi women’s national team, and scored by Saudi music giant, MDLBEAST. The film captures the Kingdom’s football passion, cultural diversity, and scenic landscapes, providing a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s unique identity.
With the establishment of a dedicated bid unit led by Hammad Albalawi, SAFF aims to present a compelling case to FIFA, garnering support from over 130 Member Associations. The bid aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment under Vision 2030 to leverage sports for national development and global engagement, exemplified by the successful hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah in December 2023.
This bid signifies Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a central figure in global sports, utilizing the universal language of football to unite people, cultures, and nations in a celebration of shared growth and prosperity.
