Successful hosting of 2027 AFC Asian Cup will boost Saudi 2034 World Cup bid

Saudi Arabia is in a strong position when it comes to winning the rights to host the 2027 Asian Cup. (AFC.com/Arriyadh)
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Updated 19 September 2024
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Successful hosting of 2027 AFC Asian Cup will boost Saudi 2034 World Cup bid

  • With Morocco, Spain and Portugal hosting the 2030 edition, 4 years later might just be the perfect time to bring the tournament back to Asia

The 2030 World Cup may not be coming to Saudi Arabia but the Kingdom is making the early running for the one after, especially as Asian leaders are already expressing support.

On Wednesday, FIFA announced that the 2030 spectacle will be staged jointly by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Not just that but Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will get an opening game each as part of the centenary celebrations for the first ever World Cup that took place in South America in 1930.

It will, to say the least, be an interesting experience for fans across three continents but for supporters in Saudi Arabia, the focus is now on 2034. There is still a long way to go before any decision is made but, for the first time, an official announcement has been made by leaders in Saudi Arabia of their plans to stage the biggest sporting event in the world. It is a big step.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sport and president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “Hosting a FIFA World Cup in 2034 would help us achieve our dream of becoming a leading nation in world sport and would mark a significant milestone in the country’s transformation. As an emerging and welcoming home for all sports, we believe that hosting a FIFA World Cup is a natural next step in our football journey.”

The 2030 decision is likely to play into the hands of Saudi Arabia. After Qatar last year, the next World Cup will be in North America — the US, Canada and Mexico. The one after that, we know now, will be in Europe with some help from Africa, and there is also that South American flavor as well. This means that since 2022, every confederation (apart from Oceania) will have hosted a World Cup game except Asia.

So 2034 could well be Asia’s turn and that spells good news for Saudi Arabia. It was notable that soon after FIFA’s announcement, Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa was throwing the body’s support behind Riyadh.

“I am delighted to note that the SAFF have presented their intention to bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2034,” he said. “The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success.”

First, however, comes the 2027 Asian Cup, which could end up being a perfect preparation for a successful bid to stage the big one.

“We have full confidence that the SAFF will deliver an extraordinary AFC Asian Cup and carry this same belief into delivering an unforgettable FIFA World Cup, offering an excellent opportunity to football fans from across the world to experience a unique and spectacular celebration of the beautiful game,” added Al-Khalifa. As well as the Asian tournament, Jeddah will host this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

All this does not mean that there will be an easy run if the 2034 World Cup does turn out to be set for Asia. Australia and New Zealand, fresh after hosting a very successful women’s tournament this summer, could join hands with a major Asian nation like Indonesia to make a bid. That could be a tempting proposition for countries from the opposite side of Asia.

That is still in the future. At the moment, there will be celebration that the event is returning to the Arab world, especially in Morocco. The North African country has been in international headlines of late due to the tragic earthquake that hit in September. But in football terms, there has been unprecedented success.

In 2022, the men reached the semifinals of the World Cup, captivating the global football community. Just before, the women reached the final of the Women’s African Cup of Nations and became the first Arab team to qualify for the World Cup where, this summer, the Atlas Lionesses then shocked the world again by reaching the knockout stage.

Last week, it was confirmed that Morocco will host the 2025 African Cup of Nations and now the 2030 World Cup will come to North Africa.

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, said: “This is an important moment in Morocco’s history, a great achievement under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. It’s an honor and a responsibility we have in front of us and a privilege to join forces with Portugal and Spain to prepare a candidacy dossier that will, I’m sure, make history and drive the organization to a new level.”

Few would begrudge Morocco this good news but there could well be a second successive World Cup in the Arab region. Thoughts in Saudi Arabia will already be wandering to 2034 and while these are very early days, the signs are good.


Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host football World Cup playoffs

Updated 17 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar to host football World Cup playoffs

  • Group winners will take two automatic places at 2026 tournament finals in North America

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Qatar will host the Asian qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, the Asian Football Confederation said on Friday.
The third and fourth-placed teams from the qualifiers that ended last week — Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, Qatar and the UAE — will form two groups of three teams and play from Oct. 8 to 14. The draw will take place on July 17.
Group winners will take the two remaining automatic places at the World Cup finals in the US, Canada and Mexico. The runners-up from each group will play two matches on Nov. 13 and 18, with the winners qualifying for the inter-confederation playoffs
Meanwhile this year’s Saudi Super Cup featuring Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr will be held in Hong Kong, football chiefs said on Friday. Matches will take place from Aug. 19-23 at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium.

“This represents a qualitative shift for the tournament, which has achieved remarkable success,” Saudi Football Federation secretary general Ibrahim Al-Qassim said.
 


Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup

Updated 13 June 2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup

  • Star’s appointment ‘defining milestone’ in evolution of tournament

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been appointed global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, the tournament’s organizers announced on Friday.

The Esports World Cup Foundation said the Portuguese football legend’s appointment marked a “defining milestone” in the evolution of the tournament and the rise of e-sports as a global force.

A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Ronaldo brings what the foundation described as “a powerful presence and cultural resonance that transcends traditional sports,” helping connect millions of fans to a new generation of e-sports athletes.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations — from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging competitors.

“His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the best players. As global ambassador, he bridges traditional sport and competitive gaming, helping spotlight the next generation of athletes competing for global glory. We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for e-sports.”

Ronaldo has been involved with the EWC since its inception. He took part in the global announcement of the competition in 2023 and attended last summer’s closing ceremony in Riyadh, where he joined in celebrations for Team Falcons’ historic Club Championship victory.

As a global ambassador he will headline the tournament’s global promotional campaign in the lead-up to and throughout the seven-week event and festival taking place this summer in Riyadh.

He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 titles featured in the 2025 tournament lineup.

With a combined social media following of over 1 billion, Ronaldo’s involvement is expected to amplify the EWC’s global reach and help introduce new audiences to the elite world of competitive gaming.

Ronaldo said: “Sport is always evolving and e-sports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in e-sports athletes is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch. I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation.”


‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans

Updated 13 June 2025
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‘Greatest 24-hour race on the planet’: Oman’s Al-Harthy’s journey at Le Mans

  • The 43-year-old will take part in his third 24-hour race at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 14-15

LE MANS: As the racing world turns its eyes to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the weekend of June 14-15, Oman’s Ahmad Al-Harthy returns to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for a third time — this year behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 with Team WRT.

With a Le Mans podium already under his belt and growing support from BMW Oman, BMW Middle East and national partners, Al-Harthy continues to fly the sultanate’s flag high on the global motorsport stage. Here are some of his thoughts.

On representing Oman at the iconic race …

Coming back here for the third time is very emotional. To be able to race and represent Oman, the GCC and everyone from the Arab world is a very proud moment for me. Le Mans is something I’ve been following since childhood. To me, it’s the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it’s a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I’m looking forward to this third experience. 

On his technical and mental progress since his first Le Mans podium in 2023 …

It couldn’t have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and hungry.

As a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I’ve had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I’m ready, physically, yes; mentally, it’s the challenging part. Le Mans is a demanding circuit because the speeds are very high for extended periods. We are also racing alongside Hypercars and sharing the circuit with that level of speed always pushes your concentration to the limit. I believe that every year we come back, we are slightly stronger. We must take all the positives and learn from every single lap, every single turn. 

On the buzz of driving his BMW M4 LMGT3 …

The first thing is realizing how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don’t experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it’s the same in that sense.

This is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the “Road to Le Mans” in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025.

On the chemistry with teammates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde …

You mentioned a very important point: Teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it’s all about teamwork. It’s not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the grid.

We spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It’s not just about seeing each other in the race car; it’s what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don’t always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver. 

On the backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey …

When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW’s support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I’ve been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride in.

A message to young Arab and Omani athletes …

The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it’s time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. To reach Le Mans, you must come through the ranks, and I hope my presence here creates a path for that.

I want to motivate the younger generation to believe that they can be here and achieve their dreams. It takes time, and we need to understand that these things cannot be accomplished overnight. It’s a tricky formula, but it’s worth it.


Saudi Arabia a ‘pivotal force’ in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia a ‘pivotal force’ in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert

  • Kristian Coates Ulrichsen speaking to SPA following release of his new book “Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer”

LONDON: Saudi Arabia is playing a central role in transforming global football and wider sport, according to Middle East expert Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency following the release of his new book “Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer,” Ulrichsen said the Kingdom’s rise in global sport is “not a temporary shift but a broad transformation with political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.”

He continued: “The Kingdom has undergone profound changes and has quickly and decisively entered the global sports arena through club acquisitions, sponsorship of major tournaments, and hosting high-profile events, notably the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034.”

Ulrichsen noted the country’s long footballing heritage, with top-tier clubs approaching their centenary milestones and the national team having reached five consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals.

He also highlighted Saudi clubs’ strong record in continental competitions since the early 2000s.

In the book, he stresses that sport, entertainment, and tourism form “integral pillars of Vision 2030 and (are) essential to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global destination” in the coming years.

“Saudi Arabia’s engagement with sports has generated global impact across football, boxing, Formula 1, and even cricket, tennis, and e-sports,” he added.

“These sectors are expected to dominate international discussions throughout the next decade leading up to 2034.”


Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia

Updated 13 June 2025
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Pakistan’s Babar Azam to make Big Bash debut with Sydney Sixers in Australia

  • Former Pakistan skipper says playing first-ever BBL match will be ‘something special’
  • BBL is a Twenty20 cricket competition that features Australia’s eight city-based teams

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been picked by Sydney Sixers to debut in the upcoming 15th season of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), the club announced on Friday.

The BBL is a professional Twenty20 cricket competition in Australia that features eight city-based teams.

Launched in 2011, the league is held during the summer and features a mix of local and international players.

“The SCG [Sydney Cricket Ground] has been home to many legends. Now it’s home to the [king]. Welcome, Babar Azam,” the Sydney Sixers said in a post on X.

Azam said he was “super pumped” to join the team, highlighting that his BBL debut “will be something special.”

“Cannot wait to share the dressing room with my favorite batter Steve Smith and world class bowler Josh Hazlewood,” he was quoted saying in a video posted by BBL on X.

“So really excited and looking forward to getting over there and meeting my craziest cricket fans.”

Azam has featured in several major franchise leagues around the world.

Apart from competing in the Pakistan Super League, Azam has played for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Sylhet Sixers and Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League, and Somerset in England’s T20 Blast.