FIFA announces the highest ever score in bidding history for Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Host the FIFA World Cup 2034™

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the results of its Bid Evaluation Report of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™, with the bid receiving 419.8 out of 500, the highest ever score in FIFA World Cup™ history.

The announcement comes with less than two weeks to go until the official awarding of the FIFA World Cup™ hosts for 2030 and 2034, due to be held at the extraordinary FIFA congress on 11th of December 2024.

As part of the bidding process, FIFA conducted an inspection visit in October to review the details of Saudi Arabia’s bid where they visited proposed host cities, stadiums, and facilities across the tournament footprint.

Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™ reflects the Kingdom’s support from the highest level of leadership. It repesents the backing of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and aligns with the ambitious objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the Saudi people.

Commenting on the report, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince for their support and empowerment, which played a pivotal role in achieving this outstanding result.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia is a footballing nation with a young population that truly love the game. Young people who are looking to a bright future. This score by FIFA simply reflects our commitment to grow the game, our rapid transformation and our desire to host the best possible tournament for the entire world to enjoy. It is the result of our extensive efforts to present an exceptional bid. It’s a testament to the collaboration between multiple entities across the Kingdom, driven by Vision 2030, which has enabled all sectors to unite behind a bid that represents the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership and the ambitions of the Saudi people.”

Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid in July under the slogan “Growing. Together”, unveiling its ambitious plans to host the world’s first 48-team FIFA World Cup™ to be held in one country. The bid proposes matches across 15 stadiums in five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM, in addition to 10 other host locations across the Kingdom.

Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, commented: “This exceptional score is the result of the leadership’s support and the guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, whose vision has been the driving force behind the remarkable growth of the sports sector in the Saudi Arabia.”

He added:”Through this bid, we are committed to delivering an extraordinary tournament experience for players, officials, and football fans worldwide. Football lives at the heart of Saudi culture, and we aim to provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the Kingdom’s rich heritage and the hospitality of its people.”