Saudi Arabia Says Did Not Request to Host Football World Cup

Saudi Arabia has not submitted a request to host the FIFA World Cup. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia has not submitted a request to host the FIFA World Cup. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Says Did Not Request to Host Football World Cup

Saudi Arabia has not submitted a request to host the FIFA World Cup. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia has not submitted a request to host the FIFA World Cup. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism reiterated on Wednesday that the Kingdom had not submitted an official request to host the FIFA World Cup.

In a tweet, it said Saudi Arabia is always keen on hosting major sports events as part of its efforts to promote sports and internal tourism in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal had told CNN last week that his country had no intention at the moment to host the World Cup in 2030.

He added that the Kingdom was focused on bidding to host the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the men’s Asian Cup 2027.

He said Saudi Arabia has already won the right to host the 2034 Asian Games and attention is now centered on preparing stadiums and infrastructure to host the event.



Barcelona Faces Athletic Bilbao in Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final Wednesday in Jeddah

General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA
General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA
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Barcelona Faces Athletic Bilbao in Spanish Super Cup Semi-Final Wednesday in Jeddah

General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA
General view from Jeddah - File photo/SPA

Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will face off tomorrow in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m.
Barcelona, the most decorated team in the history of the Spanish Super Cup with 14 titles from 27 appearances, is looking to secure a place in the final.

Athletic Bilbao, boasting three titles, is equally determined to advance and enhance its storied legacy, according to SPA.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the Spanish Super Cup, an event organized as part of the Quality of Life Program, underscores the Kingdom's growing status as a global hub for major sporting events.

This initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to develop the sports sector, foster growth, and promote a vibrant society.