Reasons Why Saudi Arabia Will Host the FIFA World Cup
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 27 March 2024
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
Host of the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup gathers together more diverse athletes from across the globe than any other international sporting competition. In 2026, it will be hosted in North America.
But in a little over a decade, the world’s premier football competition will take place for soccer in Saudi Arabia, when the 2034 World Cup is hosted in that Middle East nation.
There are many reasons FIFA chose Saudi Arabia to be hosts for the World Cup, and we outline the most important in this article. Saudi Arabia World Cup soccer couldn’t have happened without these features.
By 2034, who knows what the legal soccer World Cup betting sites will look like. But we can know this: fans will pour into the national stadiums, and wagers will be placed on soccer matches that will make history.
Soccer Finance in Saudi Arabia
No soccer leagues anywhere in the world, none that are aligned with World Cup play and FIFA, nor none other, can compete with Saudi Arabian leagues for players. Why? Because of the Public Investment Fund, or PIF.
A large reason FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, and that nation alone, is the wealth that lies there. The Kingdom, as it is often called, can write the biggest checks in the world, and those checks are always clear.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Saudi Arabia is a sovereign wealth fund established to drive economic diversification and facilitate long-term sustainable growth in the country. It also enables for soccer finance in Saudi Arabia.
Created in 1971, the PIF has undergone significant transformations over the years, emerging as a key player in global investment and a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Vision 2030, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, aims to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil revenue and transform the economy into a diverse, dynamic, and knowledge-based one. The PIF plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives by investing in strategic sectors, both domestically and internationally.
One of the notable aspects of the PIF is its sizable assets under management. It has become one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors, including technology, entertainment, real estate, and infrastructure. The fund’s investments are not limited to traditional industries, reflecting a forward-looking approach to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global market.
The PIF’s global investments have garnered attention due to their scope and impact. The fund has made substantial commitments to transformative projects, such as the SoftBank Vision Fund, which focuses on technology and innovation. These investments align with Vision 2030’s emphasis on creating a knowledge-based economy and positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for technological advancement.
In addition to international ventures, the PIF actively supports domestic projects that contribute to economic diversification. The fund invests in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and renewable energy, aiming to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the global stage. Initiatives like NEOM, a futuristic city development, and the Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism destination, are examples of the PIF’s involvement in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.
No mistake about it, the PIF serves as a catalyst for job creation and talent development. Through its investments and partnerships, the fund contributes to the growth of local industries, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The goal is not only to generate financial returns but also to build a sustainable and diversified economy that benefits the Saudi population.
The PIF’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape continues to evolve. The billions in the fund are being used to reshape global sports and soccer in Saudi Arabia. Professional athletes, whether it’s basketball players or golfers or even soccer players, are being drawn to Saudi pro soccer for the money.
Saudi Pro League
To host an event as prestigious as the FIFA World Cup you have to know the game and have a base of support for it in your own borders. The Saudi pro leagues are one way that happens in the Arab country for fans of soccer in Saudi Arabia.
Yes, Saudi Arabia has a vibrant professional soccer league that has been gaining prominence in the region. The league, officially known as the Saudi Professional League (SPL), plays a pivotal role in the country’s football landscape. For marketing and commonplace purposes, it’s called Roshn Saudi League.
The SPL features the top football clubs in Saudi Arabia, with teams competing for the prestigious title. The league serves as a platform for developing local talent, showcasing competitive football, and fostering a strong football culture within the country. Some of the prominent clubs in the league include Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad, each boasting a rich history and a passionate fan base.
Al-Hilal, in particular, has been a powerhouse in Saudi football and has achieved success not only domestically but also on the continental stage. Their accomplishments in the AFC Champions League (where the premier football/soccer teams in Asia compete) have brought attention to the Saudi league and elevated its status in Asian football.
Like the elite soccer leagues in Europe, the SPL operates on a system of promotion and relegation, with the bottom teams facing demotion to the second division, known as the Saudi First Division. This structure adds excitement and competitiveness to the league, as teams strive to maintain their top-tier status.
High Level of Competitive Soccer in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation governs the Saudi Pro League, ensuring that it aligns with international standards and regulations. The league has attracted foreign players and coaches, contributing to its competitiveness and helping raise the overall standard of football in the country.
For decades since its inception in 1976, the SPL has produced many of the most legendary soccer players on the planet. Anderson Talisca, N’Golo Kante, and Cristiano Ronaldo have worn jerseys in the SPL, bringing their fan base with them, and creating new followers, while enhancing the reputation of the circuit.
The SPL has not only focused on domestic success but has also aimed to elevate Saudi football on the global stage. Clubs from the league participate in continental competitions, such as the AFC Champions League, showcasing the talent and competitive nature of Saudi football beyond its borders. Al-Hilal is like the New York Yankees of that league, earning fans across the globe.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports, including football, as part of its broader vision for the future. The development of world-class stadiums and facilities has added to the allure of the SPL, making it an attractive destination for players and fans alike.
Saudi Arabia World Cup National Stadiums
Saudi Arabia has unveiled ambitious plans for the construction of state-of-the-art national soccer stadiums in anticipation of hosting the Saudi Arabia World Cup by FIFA in 2031. The vision aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment. The proposed stadiums are poised to set new benchmarks in design, technology, and fan experience.
The Saudi Arabia World Cup, a monumental undertaking, necessitates cutting-edge infrastructure. These stadiums will not only serve as venues for the prestigious tournament but also stand as enduring symbols of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering a vibrant sports culture. The facilities are designed to meet the highest international standards, ensuring a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.
These proposed national soccer stadiums are integral to the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, emphasizing economic diversification and investment in sectors beyond oil. The construction projects stimulate economic growth, generating employment opportunities and fostering the development of related industries.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to welcome teams and fans from around the globe for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, these stadiums will showcase the nation’s commitment to excellence and hospitality. The tournament serves as a catalyst for comprehensive advancements in sports infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy and enhancing the Kingdom’s stature on the international stage.
To this nation, the Saudi Arabia World Cup isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a transformative moment driving innovation, progress, and a lasting legacy for the sports landscape.
