- FIFA announced Qatar as the host for the boys’ Under-17 World Cup for the next five editions from 2025
- Morocco will host the girls’ tournament during the same period, aligning with FIFA’s transition to annual youth tournaments
FIFA revealed that Qatar will host the boys’ Under-17 World Cup for the next five editions from 2025 to 2029. Simultaneously, the girls’ tournament will occur in Morocco during the same period.
In December, FIFA had announced the transition to annual youth tournaments, with the boys’ event expanding to accommodate 48 teams, up from the previous 24. Similarly, the number of girls’ teams participating will increase from 16 to 24.
The decision to select a single host nation for multiple editions stems from FIFA’s objective to utilize existing football infrastructure, ensuring tournament efficiency and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia launches bid for 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia formally launched its bid to host the 2034 World Cup on Friday, nearly four months after football’s world governing body FIFA announced the kingdom was the only candidate.
The bid comes two years after neighbouring Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East.
The campaign is under the slogan “Growing. Together” the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) revealed its bid logo and website, as well as a short bid film that celebrates “the passion, spirit and diversity of football in Saudi Arabia”.
“This campaign is powered by the hopes and dreams of 32 million people in Saudi Arabia,” the head of the SAFF bid unit, Hammad Albalawi, said in a statement.
“Our responsibility is to submit the best possible bid to FIFA, make our country proud and fulfil the trust placed upon us by more than 130 Member Associations worldwide who supported our bid.”
The kingdom has invested heavily in sport under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a tourism, business and sports hub.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a “multi-year strategic partnership” with the ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis.
Since 2021, PIF has invested heavily in some major sports, including setting up the LIV golf tour, a rival to the PGA, and purchasing English Premier League club Newcastle United.
It also owns four clubs in the Saudi Pro League and has lured global stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, with huge salaries.
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