Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034

Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034
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Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034

Saudi Football Federation Reveals Official Identity for Saudi Arabia’s Candidacy File to Host FIFA 2034

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced on Friday the official identity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the FIFA 2034 World Cup.

The bid bears the slogan "Growing Together" and includes a visual identity, a verbal slogan, and an official website, Saudi2034bid.com.

The Kingdom announced in October its intention to host the tournament and later sent the official nomination letter to the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA).

The nomination file logo represents the Kingdom's remarkable transformation and growth process in football. It is one of the fastest and most advanced growth stories in football.

The candidacy file has three main pillars: "Together to develop human capabilities,Together to develop football," and "Together to develop bridges of communication."

The visual identity of the nomination file reflects the essence of the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage and its young and vibrant society.

The file's logo consists of several colored stripes designed in the shape of "34,” referring to the year the Kingdom aims to host the 25th edition of this global tournament. The visual identity also mimics the shape of the geographical map of the Kingdom.

The video of the nomination file showcases the cultural heritage, civilizational legacy, and charming natural scenes of the Kingdom. It was shot in different regions of the Kingdom and features the participation of current and former football stars.

"The Kingdom has a history and legacy full of football achievements, and we must narrate our development journey to the whole world to see and interact with,” said SAFF President Yasser Al-Misehal. “The slogan ‘Growing Together’ perfectly reflects the approach we are adopting to achieve the dream of hosting the tournament in ten years.”



Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Eyes Asian Glory amid Revitalized Saudi Pro League Campaign

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsia at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on November 22, 2024. (AFP)
Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsia at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on November 22, 2024. (AFP)
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Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Eyes Asian Glory amid Revitalized Saudi Pro League Campaign

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsia at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on November 22, 2024. (AFP)
Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #7 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsia at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on November 22, 2024. (AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning a first major trophy since arriving in Saudi Arabia in 2022 were given an unlikely domestic lifeline on Saturday and, on Monday, the Portuguese star can help Al-Nassr stay on course for a first Asian title.

Ronaldo scored his seventh goal of the season against Al-Qadsia on Friday in a battle against Spanish defender Nacho but his former Real Madrid teammate was celebrating at the final whistle.

“It was a different and difficult game against Ronaldo,” Nacho said. “He is my friend and I had the best part of my career playing with him but here we have a different experience and are playing for different teams. It was an honor to play against him.”

Al-Nassr looked to be slipping out of the Saudi Pro League (SPL) title race. Al-Hilal, unbeaten in 46 league games, would have gone nine points clear on Saturday with a win against Al-Khaleej but despite leading 2-0, Hilal fell to a shock 3-2 defeat, a first since May 2023.

“We knew that the victories would not continue because this is football,” said Hilal forward Marcos Leonardo. “We have to work and achieve victory in the next match in the AFC Champions League Elite.”

Saudi Arabian clubs have yet to lose in the western zone of the Asian competition — the 24 teams in the tournament are divided into two groups of 12 with eight from each progressing to the Round of 16 after playing eight matches — and occupy the top three spots.

Al-Nassr is third with ten points from four games and will be almost certain of a place in the next round if it defeats Al-Gharafa of Qatar.

Al-Hilal, a four-time champion and top of the group with four wins, also travels to Qatar to face 2011 winner Al-Sadd. Unlike SPL games, Neymar is eligible to play in Asian competitions but the Brazilian is still recovering from the injury sustained against Esteghlal of Iran earlier in November.

Al-Ahli of Jeddah is second with the maximum 12 points and faces defending champion Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates. Al-Ain is bottom of the group and lost 5-4 to Hilal and then 5-1 to Nassr, defeats which cost Hernan Crespo his job as head coach earlier in November. The Argentine has been replaced by Leonardo Jardim, the Portuguese boss who led Al-Hilal to the 2021 continental title.

In the eastern zone, there is another former champion in 12th and last place. Ulsan HD, winner in 2012 and 2020, has lost all four games. Ulsan has just won a third successive South Korean title and needs to defeat newly-crowned Chinese champion Shanghai Port to keep chances of the second round alive.

Australia’s sole representative Central Coast Mariners is also in need of victory as it has just one point. The A-League team however has a daunting trip to Japan to face group leader Vissel Kobe.