Saudi Arabia is contemplating the possibility of hosting the 2034 World Cup during the summer, even though the Middle East is expected to experience extreme heat during that time of the year.
The Gulf State secured the hosting rights for football’s premier competition after FIFA unexpectedly announced the simultaneous bidding process for the 2034 and 2030 World Cups on October 4.
Potential bidders had a tight window until October 31 to express interest. Almost immediately, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman declared the kingdom’s bid. As Australia withdrew from the competition, Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole contender.
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This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a global sports hub, joining the ranks of major events like golf, boxing, and Formula One.
Despite concerns about the tournament’s timing in the football calendar, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, suggested that a summer event might still be feasible, even in the face of extreme heat.
When asked about the possibility of playing in temperatures potentially reaching 50 degrees Celsius, he responded, “Hopefully, we will find out. Definitely, we will work to ensure it is the best World Cup ever hosted. Whether it is summer or winter, it doesn’t matter for us, as long as we create the right atmosphere for such an event.”
The summer months in Saudi Arabia routinely witness temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, prompting the Saudi Pro League to avoid matches during this period. The previous World Cup in nearby Qatar was hosted in winter, raising concerns about player burnout.
In Qatar, in-stadium air-conditioning was employed to mitigate the effects of the heat. Whether Saudi Arabia will follow a similar approach remains uncertain and could raise environmental concerns.
Yasser al-Misehal, the president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, indicated an openness to exploring new technologies, echoing the use of cooling methods previously unseen in Qatar.
Despite the optimism expressed by those advocating for the hosting bid, challenges loom over the 2034 World Cup. If the tournament proceeds in winter, it could still raise concerns about player injuries, particularly with plans to expand competitions like the Club World Cup.
