FIFA officially confirmed this Wednesday that the 2034 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This will be the third time the tournament takes place in Asia, following the editions held in South Korea and Japan in 2002, and Qatar in 2022. The announcement was made during an extraordinary FIFA Congress, where the kingdom's sole bid was unanimously approved.

The tournament will feature five host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the futuristic Neom. These cities will host matches in 15 stadiums, one more than the minimum required by FIFA. The King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, with a capacity of 92,760 spectators, will be the venue for the opening match and the grand final. Although construction has not yet begun, this stadium promises to be the centerpiece of the event.

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Saudi Arabia aims to deliver an innovative tournament, leveraging its strategic "Vision 2030" project, which blends the kingdom’s cultural heritage with its modernization initiatives. FIFA highlighted the country's commitment to sustainability, with measures such as free public transportation for attendees, the use of renewable energy, and a sustainable construction management system for the stadiums.

From an economic standpoint, the 2034 World Cup is expected to generate significant revenues. A 10% increase in global viewership compared to the previous edition is anticipated, along with a 32% rise in ticket sales and premium services, generating an additional $240 million. Moreover, organizational costs are projected to be lower than in previous editions, with estimated savings of $450 million.

Infrastructure will play a crucial role in the tournament's success. Of the 15 stadiums, several are currently under renovation, while others are still in the construction phase. However, FIFA has expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia will meet the established deadlines, ensuring world-class venues for the competition's matches.

With this designation, Saudi Arabia cements its position as a major player on the global sports stage. The 2034 World Cup will not only be a milestone in football history but will also reinforce the kingdom’s ambitious plans to make a lasting impact in sports and contribute to its social and economic transformation.