Saudi Arabia makes significant statement on expanded 2034 World Cup format

Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to host the FIFA World Cup with 64 teams in 2034 if FIFA decides to expand the tournament. This idea, proposed by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) for the 2030 tournament, has sparked opposition from other continental confederations, but Saudi Arabia is open to increasing the number of participants in 2034.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Sports, stated that his country is fully prepared to support the expansion of the tournament. He said, "We are ready, or will be ready. If FIFA makes a decision that benefits everyone, we will gladly support it."

• Read also: FIFA plans to hold the World Cup draw in Las Vegas. But everything could change with Trump

The 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will include 48 teams, while the 2030 tournament has already been proposed to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco with 64 teams. Saudi Arabia was awarded the right to host the 2034 World Cup, and this decision was officially announced in December 2023. However, critics claim that the kingdom uses sports to improve its international image, ignoring human rights issues.

As part of its bid, Saudi Arabia has promised to build or renovate 15 stadiums by 2032, utilizing migrant labor. Prince Al-Faisal emphasized that the safety of workers is a priority, and noted that organizers are actively collaborating with FIFA and Qatar to learn from the experience of hosting the tournament in the region.

The Minister of Sports also stated that, despite the ban on alcohol sales in Saudi Arabia, the 2034 World Cup will be "dry," which will not be an issue as the country has already hosted over 100 international sporting events, and all participants were satisfied with the level of organization.

Saudi Arabia continues to actively invest in sports, despite criticism from human rights organizations, and claims that these efforts are aimed at enhancing national security and developing infrastructure.