President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement posted on X, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the significance of the win, describing it as a testament to Saudi Arabia's growing influence and leadership on the global stage. “It is a proud moment not only for the Kingdom, but to the entire Arab world and the broader Islamic community,” the President said.

He commended the Kingdom’s leadership for earning the trust and confidence of the international community, which paved the way for this historic achievement. The President also expressed optimism that the 2034 FIFA World Cup would go beyond being a mere sporting event. He envisioned it as an opportunity to foster global unity, celebrate cultural ties, and strengthen the spirit of friendship through sport.

The announcement came during FIFA’s extraordinary congress held via video conferencing on Wednesday, where Saudi Arabia emerged as the sole contender for the tournament after Australia withdrew its bid at the last minute. FIFA had earlier allocated hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup exclusively to nations from Asia and Oceania, providing Saudi Arabia with a clear path to secure the honour.

This victory cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising hub for global sports and major international events. The Kingdom has already hosted a range of prestigious competitions in recent years, aligning with its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and promote cultural exchange.