6. Saudi Arabia only candidate and likely to host 2034 FIFA World Cup
You may be wondering why Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup qualifies for this Olympic bid list. Think of it as the final stone in a path the leads The Kingdom to its first Olympic Games as early as 2036.
Whether its the formation of LIV Golf or the purchase of major professional sport clubs around the world its clear the Kingdom wants to dominate in sports. Some call it sportswashing, but by any name it means many athletes will be traveling to the nation over the next decade.
Last year Saudi Arabia was named host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games (yes, you read that right, Winter) at the Trojena Resort in Noem City. Capital Riyadh has been elected host of the Asian Games in 2034, the same year FIFA has positioned the nation to host the FIFA World Cup pending a member rubberstamping next year.
The next available Olympic Games to be awarded is in 2036 and you must believe that Saudi Arabia has its eyes on that prize.
[Top Story #5 on page 7]
