Saudi Arabia could host World Cup 2030, says expert

Rumors of a possible Saudi Arabian bid for the 2030 World Cup have surfaced in recent days. Speculation began after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was seen sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the tournament’s opening match. Saudi Arabia was obviously not playing a match at that particular moment.

These rumors also suggest that other nations could join Saudi Arabia as co-hosts. Egypt and Greece could possibly team up with Saudi Arabia to bid for the 2030 World Cup. This is despite the fact that the capital of Greece (Athens) and the capital of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) are separated by more than 2,000 miles.

Expert says Saudi World Cup is possible in 2030

However, sports and geopolitical economics expert Simon Chadwick says the scenario could very well happen. “This rumor, which is unsubstantiated at this point, is substantiated,” Chadwick told Sportico.

“[Hosting] it is completely consistent with what Saudi Arabia has been trying to do in football and more generally in terms of politics for the last seven years. It is realistic to think that Saudi Arabia and two partners are a genuine possibility by 2030.”

There have only been three official bids for the 2030 World Cup so far. Two of the three involve multiple countries per offer. These three possible options include: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay; Portugal, Spain, Ukraine and Morocco. FIFA does not vote on a host until 2024.

Conflicting reports from Saudi officials

However, freelance journalist Seamus Malekafzali poured cold water on the potential idea. The journalist reported on recent comments made by Saudi officials. A Tourism Ministry spokesperson told Bloomberg that the Middle Eastern country does not have a bid for the 2030 World Cup.