Saudi Arabia, which became the sole candidate to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia opted out of the bidding contest, has declared its readiness to host the quadrennial mega tournament “in summer or winter”.
The declaration from the oil-rich kingdom came soon after Football Australia’s unexpected pull-out from the bid race just hours before the deadline.
Football Australia stated that after careful consideration, they had decided not to bid for the 2034 competition. Instead, Australia has opted to focus on bidding for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029.
The Gulf nation announced its bid only on October 4, immediately following FIFA’s surprise invitation for expressions of interest from only Asia and Oceania for the 2034 tournament.
“Of course, we are ready for all possibilities,” AFP quoted Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal as having said late on Tuesday at the Asian Football Confederation awards in Doha.
“Today there are many new technologies that help you with cooling or adding air conditioners in stadiums, in addition to the fact that there are many cities in the kingdom that enjoy a very wonderful atmosphere in the summer,” Misehal said.
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid comes less than a year after neighbouring Qatar held the first Winter World Cup, a decision that forced a pause to league competitions in Europe.
