JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia would be ready and willing to host a 64-team World Cup in 2034 if FIFA accepts a controversial proposal to expand the tournament from 48, according to the kingdom’s sports minister.
South America’s CONMEBOL has officially suggested staging the centenary 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco with 64 teams but the idea has been opposed by some other continental confederations.
Next year’s tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico will have 48 countries participating, up from 32 in 2022.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told a select group of reporters at the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah that his country would have no objection to an increase in the numbers for 2034.
“We’re ready, or we will be ready, inshallah (God willing). 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 said.
He pointed to the infrastructure already in place for Islamic pilgrims, with four million people attending Makkah for Umrah during Ramadan this year and five million expected for the Hajj.
The global football governing body officially announced Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 men’s World Cup in December.
The bid book pledged 15 stadiums, new or refurbished, by 2032 and which are expected to be completed with help of migrant labor.
Al-Faisal said worker safety was of the highest priority and Saudi organizers were talking regularly with FIFA and 2022 hosts and neighbors Qatar, the first World Cup in the region, to learn from their experience.
“We’ve had more than 100 international events so far. We’ve had people come from all over the world to attend these sporting events. And everyone’s happy with the hospitality, the setup, the experience that they get,” he added.
Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034
https://arab.news/m6me8
Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034
- Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told a select group of reporters at the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah that his country would have no objection to do so
UAE National MMA Championship 1 launches new MMA season in Al-Ain
- Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri: The strong preparation by clubs and academies shows how much mixed martial arts has grown in the UAE
- Al-Dhaheri: Teams now take part with clear training plans and ongoing development programs
AL-AIN: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s season-opener, the UAE National MMA Championship 1, is set to take place at the UAE University in Al-Ain from Jan. 10-11.
With hundreds of athletes across various age groups taking part, the championship is part of the Federation’s wider plan to strengthen the long-term development of MMA in the country, building on past achievements and supporting athletes’ technical and mental preparation.
The competition will feature Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), Youth A (16–17 years), and Adults (18 years and above), offering the chance for all age groups to take part.
Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation board member, said: “We want the first championship of the new season to be a strong platform that reflects our strategy, especially in identifying talent, developing athletes and building future champions. We have clear goals for 2026 to develop mixed martial arts further, and this championship is the first step towards achieving them.
“The strong preparation by clubs and academies shows how much mixed martial arts has grown in the UAE. Teams now take part with clear training plans and ongoing development programs. This is reflected in the higher quality of competition, the range of fighting styles and the dedication shown by athletes, which increases the championship’s value and strengthens its role in developing talent.”
