Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced today, Wednesday, the establishment of the “Supreme Authority to Host the 2034 World Cup,” following the official announcement by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) that Saudi Arabia had won the bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The Crown Prince chairs the Board of Directors of the Supreme Authority for Hosting the 2034 World Cup, which includes a number of prominent officials, including Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, Minister of Interior, and Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture. And Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Football Federation, Yasser Al-Meshal.
The Saudi News Agency stated that the announcement of the establishment of the authority comes as confirmation of Saudi Arabia’s determination to present an exceptional version of the most important forum in the world of football, as the first country in history to host this event, with the participation of 48 teams from all continents of the world.
She added that the Kingdom is expected to highlight itself by hosting the 2034 World Cup as an economic, investment, sports, tourism and economic destination, in addition to cultural and entertainment destinations, where millions of visitors will learn about its heritage, its cultural and historical legacy, and the deep cultural reserve that characterizes it.
Saudis are “proud” of organizing the 2034 World Cup
To the sound of joyful fireworks that lit up the night in Riyadh and drone displays that painted a picture of the World Cup, hundreds of Saudis gathered in central Riyadh, waving their country’s flags, to celebrate the Gulf Kingdom’s victory in the right to host the 2034 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia will be the first country to host the World Cup alone, with the participation of 48 teams.
The bitter cold did not prevent Saudi families from taking to the street and celebrating this moment, which many described as “historic.”
In a public square opposite the King Abdullah Financial Center with its towering glass towers in northern Riyadh, tents and benches were set up to watch a fireworks display, while festive songs sung about the era of Saudi King Salman and his son and crown prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, blaring in the place.
Hundreds of marches formed a map of Saudi Arabia, a map of the world, a World Cup, and a giant soccer ball, while I wrote, “Ready, Riyadh?”
Fireworks painted bright arches around the main metro station in the capital, which opened only at the beginning of this month, amid applause and shouts from the audience.
On the glass facade of a nearby high-rise tower, “Hello world 2034” was written in Arabic in green.
On the main Tahlia Street, the green Saudi flag was hung on almost every lamppost, while commercial billboards congratulated the Saudis on hosting the “World Cup in Saudi Arabia 2034.”
Organizing the tournament gives Saudis, known for their great passion for football, the opportunity to follow the highest level of the game at home.
Government employee Abdul Rahman Al Shehri (44 years old) says, “I dreamed of attending the World Cup, but logistical matters were always an obstacle. Now the dream of organizing the World Cup in Saudi Arabia has come true.”
The man added with a broad smile, “I will plan to watch most of the matches from the stadium,” and continued, “The tournament will be held near the house now.”
Riyadh is already scheduled to include 8 stadiums out of the 15 stadiums nominated to host the tournament.
