Islamabad, Dec 12: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for securing the rights to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. He described the achievement as a “befitting recognition” of Saudi Arabia’s growing global stature.
FIFA, the global football governing body, officially announced Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 tournament during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting. Additionally, it confirmed Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup. Saudi Arabia becomes the second Middle Eastern country to host the prestigious event, following Qatar’s successful organization of the 2022 World Cup.
“Heartiest congratulations to my brother HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman & the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on winning the right to host FIFA World Cup 2034!” Sharif expressed on the social media platform X. He highlighted the achievement as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s rising influence in global sports and its dedication to Vision 2030.
Football, the world’s most popular sport, first saw the World Cup organized in Uruguay in 1930, with Argentina and Spain also hosting it in subsequent years. Morocco, Portugal, and Paraguay will be debut hosts in the upcoming editions.
In 2023, FIFA announced the 2034 World Cup would take place in the Asia or Oceania region, with the Asian Football Confederation backing Saudi Arabia’s bid.
