FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday expressed strong confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to host a landmark 2034 FIFA World Cup, citing the Kingdom’s significant investments and growing influence in global football.

Speaking during a panel titled “Partnerships and Progress Towards the World Cup in Saudi Arabia,” Infantino said, “Saudi Arabia is one of the most prominent investors in global football and is preparing for a historic event: hosting the 2034 World Cup.”

The statement comes months after FIFA officially awarded the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia on December 11, 2024. The event will mark the first time in history that a single country hosts the expanded 48-team tournament.

“With the tremendous potential Saudi Arabia possesses to shift its economic center of gravity to the region, it has the opportunity to manage a historic 2034 World Cup,” Infantino added, pointing to the Kingdom’s broader ambitions under its Vision 2030 strategy.

Infantino also praised the country’s efforts in both men’s and women’s football. “I am happy to be in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is a country that invests heavily in football,” he said, noting that the Club World Cup will kick off next month with local club Al-Hilal competing in the same group as Real Madrid.

He further highlighted the Kingdom’s progress in women’s football, commending the establishment of a women’s league and a national team as signs of growing inclusivity and development in the sport.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 World Cup is seen as a key milestone in its effort to position itself as a global sports and tourism hub, leveraging major international events to reshape its image and diversify its economy.