Saudi Arabia open to hosting 64-team World Cup in 2034, says Sports Minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia would be ready to host a 64-team FIFA World Cup in 2034 if the tournament is expanded from its current 48-team format, according to the kingdom’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal.

Speaking at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, the minister said the country would fully support any expansion proposed by FIFA. “We’re ready, or we will be ready, inshallah. If that’s a decision that FIFA takes and thinks that that’s a good decision for everyone, then we’re more than happy to deliver on it,” he stated.

The proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams was recently backed by South American confederation CONMEBOL, which has endorsed Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as hosts for the centenary edition. However, the suggestion has been met with resistance from other confederations.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022.

Prince Abdulaziz cited the kingdom’s experience in managing large-scale events, noting the millions of pilgrims who travel to Mecca each year as evidence of its logistical capabilities. Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup was uncontested, though it has faced criticism from rights groups. The country has denied allegations of human rights abuses and defends its laws as a matter of national security.(Reuters)