Saudi Arabia launches uncontested 2034 FIFA World Cup bid

Saudi Arabia launched its official campaign to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup in a race that became a formality last October when the Gulf country was the only candidate to enter the contest.

The Saudi Football Federation revealed the bid slogan “Grow. Together” and a campaign logo consisting of two multi-colored ribbons forming the number 34.

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The logo “is designed to capture the essence of the young Saudi nation, its dynamic society and its rich heritage,” the federation said.

FIFA is expected to rubber-stamp Saudi Arabia as host in an uncontested vote by the governing body's 211 member federations before the end of 2024. The date and location of the vote have not been announced.

The bid launch did not provide any new details on host cities and stadiums for the 48-team tournament scheduled to take place in November-December 2034.

Saudi Arabia aims to host the tournament alone, although some matches could then be shared with neighboring and neighboring states.

The first 48-team Men's World Cup will be held in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2030 edition will be played mainly in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one match each allocated to Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, the first host country of 1930. These hosting plans must also be formally confirmed This year.

By bringing together Africa, Europe and South America for 2030, FIFA was able to limit the 2034 organization to candidates from Asia and Oceania, while guaranteeing the victory of Saudi Arabia.