RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is poised to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, aiming to save $450 million in costs while exceeding revenue expectations, according to a report by the global football governing body.
Following the Kingdom's official confirmation as the tournament's host, the bid evaluation document reveals that ticket and hospitality revenues are projected to surpass baseline estimates by 32%, or $240 million. FIFA assessed organizing costs using data from previous World Cups, adjusted for the expanded 104-match format, a 14-stadium concept, inflation, and local economic conditions.
While excluding expenses such as prize money and team participation costs, FIFA emphasized Saudi Arabia's competitive pricing. Key cost areas like technical services and security are forecast to be $133 million and $58.9 million below baseline, respectively. In contrast, Qatar spent an estimated $220 billion to host the 2022 World Cup, making it the most expensive in history, with much of the investment directed towards infrastructure, including stadiums, roads, and public transport.
Hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup aligns with Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce the Kingdom's reliance on crude oil revenues. In November, experts told Arab News that the event could boost the country's GDP by between $9 billion and $14 billion, create 1.5 million new jobs, and lead to the construction of 230,000 hotel rooms across five host cities.
According to the bid report, key cost drivers for Saudi Arabia include $378.4 million for television operations, $273.8 million for workforce management, $124 million for transport, $111.1 million for team services, and $99.5 million for IT and telecommunications. FIFA noted that "virtually all cost drivers are currently forecast as being below the baseline, with some cost items, such as staffing costs, event transport, team accommodation, and competition management generally expected to remain in line with baseline levels."
FIFA anticipates that food and beverage revenues will align with baseline figures, while online and licensing revenue streams are projected to outperform by $7 million. The Kingdom's time zone, which enables viewers across Asia, Europe, and Africa to watch matches during prime hours, is expected to boost global live television audiences by 10% compared to the 2026 edition.
Sustainability is a core commitment for Saudi Arabia's 2034 tournament. The Kingdom plans to incorporate renewable energy and achieve LEED Gold certification for buildings and operations, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional standards. Additionally, World Cup stadiums will be repurposed as multi-purpose entertainment venues and homes for Saudi Pro League teams, ensuring long-term benefits for football and local communities.
The World Cup bid highlights Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global tourism hub. Each proposed host city has undergone substantial development under Vision 2030, with significant investments in tourism infrastructure to support major events across sports, arts, culture, and business. Events like the FIFA World Cup 2034 and Expo 2030 are expected to strengthen the Kingdom's non-oil economy, offering business and lending opportunities for financial institutions, according to a November report by Moody's.
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