Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 not solely to increase his on-field legacy but in addition to assist elevate Saudi Arabian soccer on a world scale. With FIFA confirming Saudi Arabia because the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, the Portuguese star has now addressed his potential particular function for the match.
Backed by the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF), Ronaldo arrived on a document deal and shortly turned the face of the Saudi Professional League, serving to speed up its speedy progress. As European expertise continues to reach, the league’s evolution has coincided with Saudi Arabia’s profitable bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Talking on the TOURISE tourism discussion board in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo shared his ideas on the nation’s choice as host: “I’m Portuguese, and the 2030 World Cup shall be held right here in Portugal however in 2034, it is going to even be in Saudi Arabia. And as I’ve stated earlier than, I now belong to Saudi Arabia. It’s one of many international locations that I maintain near my coronary heart.“
The Al Nassr star additionally expressed pleasure about collaborating within the match in a brand new capability. “I need to be a part of this wonderful mission and this nice occasion. They’ll all the time rely on me, as a result of I’ll be on their aspect, supporting soccer, serving to it develop, and provoking the brand new generations to like this stunning sport,” the Portuguese legend said.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr
Very like the ambassadorial function initially anticipated for Neymar, Ronaldo is now positioned to be the nation’s main figurehead for the 2034 World Cup. The Brazilian’s abrupt departure from the league shifted much more consideration towards Ronaldo, who has already made clear that the 2026 World Cup shall be his ultimate match as a participant, however that his affect on the game will proceed effectively past his retirement.
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What to anticipate from the 2034 World Cup
Following a 2026 version hosted by america, Mexico, and Canada, and a 2030 World Cup that includes matches throughout Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, FIFA will return to a single-host format in 2034 with Saudi Arabia. The choice turned official in late 2024 throughout a FIFA Extraordinary Congress.
With the Saudi Professional League nonetheless growing, the nation is predicted to function 5 host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Abha, and Neom. Whereas the ultimate match format stays below dialogue, Saudi Arabia is already developing eight of the deliberate 15 venues, all designed with next-generation know-how to fulfill World Cup requirements.
