Hosting 2034 World Cup would be ‘wonderful opportunity’ for Saudi Arabia to show its hospitality, says Riyad Mahrez

Algeria's forward #7 Riyad Mahrez controls the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group D football match between Mauritania and Algeria at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on January 23, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 12 December 2024
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Hosting 2034 World Cup would be ‘wonderful opportunity’ for Saudi Arabia to show its hospitality, says Riyad Mahrez

  • Al-Ahli’s Algerian star was speaking at Saudi Arabian Football Federation gathering on the eve of FIFA’s announcement of the host nation

JEDDAH: Al-Ahli’s Algerian international forward Riyad Mahrez says hosting the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be a ‘wonderful opportunity’ for the world to experience the Kingdom’s hospitality.

The Saudi Pro League star was speaking at a Saudi Arabian Football Federation meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday, where he met with aspiring players from regional training centers.

His comments come on the eve of FIFA’s announcement of the host country for the 2034 World Cup.

“Hosting the World Cup represents a wonderful opportunity for the world to witness the kindness and hospitality of the Saudi people,” Mahrez said.

The next two World Cup tournaments will be hosted by multiple nations. In 2026 it will be the US, Mexico and Canada, and in 2030 Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

“The World Cup (in Saudi Arabia) will bring the world together in one country,” Mahrez added. “Saudi Arabia is a large country capable of welcoming everyone and providing a wonderful experience.”

“I imagine that in 10 years it will be amazing for the whole world. I am very excited and looking forward to seeing all the future projects.”

The 33-year-old former Manchester City star also highlighted the nation’s football culture and natural beauty.

“I don’t think people realize how much passion there is for football in Saudi Arabia. There are many big clubs with a huge fan base,” he said. “You will not be able to imagine the beauty of Saudi Arabia until you come here and see for yourself.”


Roshn Group announced as title partner of LIV Golf Riyadh

Updated 06 January 2026
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Roshn Group announced as title partner of LIV Golf Riyadh

  • LIV Golf’s season opener returns to the capital from Feb. 4-7 with entertainment over 4 nights under the lights

RIYADH: Roshn Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading real-estate developer, has been announced as the title partner of LIV Golf’s Riyadh event for 2026.

Roshn Group LIV Golf Riyadh will open the league’s 2026 season from Feb. 4-7 at Riyadh Golf Club, as it did last year. The event will again stage the world’s largest professional night-golf tournament.

The event will have some of the game’s leading players, live entertainment, and a range of premium hospitality and fan experiences across four nights of competition.

In 2025, fans were treated to drone light shows, live concerts from award-winning artists, and a Fan Village featuring rides, games, food trucks and family-friendly activities.

As a part of the group’s global partnership across all LIV Golf events, the two brands also launched the “Roshn Rising Stars” program, which will introduce 100 young people to the sport.

Chad Biggs, LIV Golf’s executive vice president and head of global partnerships, said: “Last season’s event under the lights in Riyadh delivered an event unlike anything else in the sports world.

“With ROSHN Group as the title partner this year, we’re excited to collectively build on that momentum in 2026 with an expanded four-day tournament, more entertainment, and enhanced  fan experience.

Fans can expect a world-class field headlined by reigning LIV Golf Individual Champion Jon Rahm and last season’s Team Champions Legion XIII, alongside defending LIV Golf Riyadh 2025 winner Adrian Meronk of Cleeks Golf Club.

They will be joined by some of the sport’s biggest names, including Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Cam Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), and Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC).

The 2026 field will feature 13 major champions with a combined 23 major championship titles.

Fans can secure their four-day and single-day grounds passes as well as hospitality packages at LIVGolf.com.