• Loading stock data...
Monday, February 10, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Bid Boosted By FIFA’s Stadium Rule Change

  • Saudi Arabia has emerged as the favorite to land the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
  • FIFA has relaxed its requirement for seven existing suitable stadiums.
Saudi player wins ball from Argentinian player in World Cup match-up
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Less than a week after FIFA named the host countries for the 2030 World Cup, it’s looking more and more likely that Saudi Arabia could end up winning the right to preside over the 2034 event.

With Spain, Portugal, and Morocco serving as primary hosts in 2030, FIFA is looking for 2034 bids coming from the Asian and Oceania Football Confederations. Saudi Arabia announced its intentions to vie for the tournament last week and officially submitted its bid on Monday.

With an Oct. 31 deadline in place for any other bids, Australia is largely seen as the only potential competitor.

Previously, FIFA has required potential World Cup hosts to have seven existing stadiums that meet its capacity standards. But for 2034, FIFA has lowered that number to four — the exact number of suitable stadiums currently in Saudi Arabia or under construction. That includes a new stadium that will open ahead of the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup.

Pulling Out All The Stops

In its efforts to secure the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia previously approached top executives in European soccer to gain support. The Saudis reportedly insist they can host the World Cup in the summer despite the challenge of hot temperatures. The 2022 World Cup in neighboring Qatar was moved out of its traditional summer window to November and December.

A World Cup would continue the nation’s growing interest in soccer. This summer, Saudi Pro League clubs spent nearly $1 billion on bringing new players to the competition during the transfer window.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Super Bowl Ticket Prices Still Dropping As Lodging Costs Soar

Prices have fallen by another 20% since Monday amid a local lodging crunch.

ESPN Faces Potential Exit from MLB Media Rights As Opt-Out Looms

A 35-year rights relationship now faces a very different media landscape.

Seidler Approved As Padres Owner; Manfred on Dodgers Spending

Manfred also defends the Tampa market and the Dodgers’ offseason conduct.

NFL Exec: We’re Reaching More Fans Without Spreading Too Thin

NFL media executive Brian Rolapp is bullish on the evolution of streaming.

Featured Today

Brady and Mahomes

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Jan 31, 2013, New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of the downtown New Orleans skyline and Benson Tower and Mercedes-Benz Superdome in advance of Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Battle for the Super Bowl: Can New Orleans Still Host the..

New Orleans’s Super Bowl future is up against tough competition from newer stadiums.
February 5, 2025

Rays Receive Blunt Message From St. Pete Mayor: We’re Ready to Move..

More doubt creeps into the MLB club’s already fraught stadium deal.
February 5, 2025

Chiefs’ Ambitious Facility Plans Hinge on Stadium Future

Chiefs consider $425 million training facility as stadium future and brand strategy evolve.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 4, 2025

From Parking to Parties: Superdome’s Super Bowl Transformation

The Super Bowl’s corporate-driven hospitality boom leaves fewer tickets for average fans.
January 28, 2025

Commanders Don’t Yet Control RFK Stadium Site. An Architect Has Grand Plans..

Architect Kyle Murphy seeks a “truly national stadium.”
January 27, 2025

Rays Stadium Deal in Trouble: Owner Raises Concerns Over Funding Delays

The MLB club still has concerns about an agreed-to stadium deal.
January 16, 2025

Caitlin Clark Effect Fuels Fever’s New $78M Downtown Training Center

The WNBA club is the latest to develop a new practice facility.