Sheikh Mohammed congratulates Saudi Arabia on hosting 2034 FIFA World Cup
Dubai Ruler acquiesced in Saudi Arabia as the new host nation of the 2034 Fifa World Cup. The news came on Wednesday from the world football governing body, Fifa.
The Kingdom will become the first country in history to take part in the biggest edition of the World Cup — 48 national teams will be taking part, once Fifa has implemented the new system of the tournament.
It was made official by FIFA President Gianni Infantino after a virtual extraordinary Congress. Only one bid was placed for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, both of which were confirmed by acclamation.
Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, welcomed the "great ambition" and "strong will" of the Kingdom, stating that they would make for a memorable tournament.
Sheikh Mohammed tweeted: "My brother King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the comradely Saudis congratulations on this remarkable feat. This is a proud day for all the Arab world, Gulf and the whole Islamic world because of the stubbornness of the Kingdom".
Moreover, he congratulated King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Spain and Portugal, on winning the competition to host the World Cup in 2030.
Morocco, Spain and Portugal’s merged proposal will be the three continents and six nations for the 2030 World Cup, which Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay would play in the centenary edition.
Four years later, Saudi Arabia became the second Middle Eastern country to host the quadrennial event, 12 years after Qatar staged the 2022 tournament which was won by Argentina.
This is a turning point for the region.
"World Cup will be here for two tournaments on a row," Sheikh Mohammed added. "It is a happy moment for Arabs and the proof of our expanding power on the world stage. God bless two big tournaments, in 2030 and 2034.
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