Saudi Arabia officially launched its bid campaign to host the 2034 World Cup, becoming the sole candidate after entering the contest last October. The bid slogan, 'Growing. Together,' was unveiled along with a campaign logo featuring two multi-colored ribbons forming the number 34. The Saudi Arabian soccer federation described the logo as capturing the essence of the nation's young population, vibrant society, and rich heritage.
FIFA is expected to confirm Saudi Arabia as the host in a vote by its 211 member federations before the end of 2024. The specific date and venue for the vote are yet to be announced. Details regarding host cities and stadiums for the 48-team tournament, scheduled for November-December 2034, were not provided during the bid launch.
While Saudi Arabia's current plan is to host the tournament independently, there is a possibility of sharing some games with neighboring and nearby countries. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the 2030 edition is set to take place primarily in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional games in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
By awarding hosting rights for 2030 to Africa, Europe, and South America, FIFA limited the 2034 bid to candidates from Asia and Oceania, virtually guaranteeing Saudi Arabia's victory. This decision aligns with FIFA's strategy to rotate hosting regions and promote global participation in the prestigious tournament.
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