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Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034: Dates, stadiums, tickets - and will alcohol be served to fans?


Published on 2024-12-11 12:05:25 - The New York Times
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  • The 104 games will all be staged in Saudi and the vast majority of those will come in just two cities. Although Al Khobar, Abha and Neom have been named as host cities, capital city Riyadh and Jeddah, a port city on the Red Sea, will be home to 12 of the 15 stadiums used.

The article from The Athletic discusses Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the country's efforts to leverage its growing influence in global sports. Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in sports, including football, through high-profile sponsorships, player acquisitions, and hosting events, as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and improve its international image. The bid has stirred controversy due to concerns over human rights, infrastructure readiness, and the extreme summer temperatures, which could necessitate a winter tournament. FIFA has set a deadline for the submission of bids, and while Saudi Arabia is the only confirmed bidder so far, the process involves navigating complex geopolitical and logistical challenges. The article also touches on the potential economic benefits for Saudi Arabia, including tourism and infrastructure development, but notes the significant hurdles and criticisms the bid faces.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5986423/2024/12/11/saudi-arabia-world-cup-dates-tickets-fifa-soccer/ ]