On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia officially announced its candidacy to host the 2034 World Cup, shortly after the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced that the 2030 world title battle would take place in Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
In making this announcement, FIFA declared that the 2034 World Cup would be held in Asia or Oceania. After a few minutes, the Saudi Arabia registration was already received.
“Our 2034 bid aims to create a world-class tournament,” the Saudi Football Federation said in a press release. “We are inspired by Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the country’s deep passion for football.”
The oil state initially set its sights on organizing the 2030 World Cup, but now hopes to organize the twenty-fifth edition. If that happens, it will once again mean a controversial host country after Qatar (2022).
Saudi Arabia has been pumping billions of euros into various sports for years. According to critics, the Saudi regime is practicing sports laundering. It is the policy of organizing sporting events or sponsoring sports teams with the aim of improving the image and covering up abuses.
The next World Cup (2026) will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 48 teams are participating in the tournament, 16 more than Qatar. A minimum of 104 matches will be played.
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