Saudi Arabia’s technical director of women’s football, Monika Staab, suggested that Saudi Arabia should bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035. Staab, who was the first coach of the Saudi women’s team in 2021, stated that the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) aims to qualify for a Women’s World Cup within the next 10 years. Alongside the women’s bid, Saudi Arabia is also aiming to host the men’s World Cup in 2034.
During her speech at the Leaders sports business conference in London, Staab mentioned that she informed the sport’s administrators about the time required to reach the World Cup. She proposed hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2035 as a way to complement their ambition of hosting the men’s World Cup. Staab added, “We’re now getting a team ready to be at least competing at that level.”
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has been making efforts to develop its women’s football program in recent years. Staab’s appointment as the first coach of the Saudi women’s team back in 2021 was a milestone in the country’s football history. The SAFF’s goal to qualify for a Women’s World Cup within a decade demonstrates their commitment to advancing women’s football in the country.
By expressing her support for a Women’s World Cup bid, Staab highlights the growing interest in women’s football and the potential for Saudi Arabia to become a host nation. Hosting such a prestigious tournament would provide a platform for promoting women’s football and accelerating its growth in the country.
With their sights set on hosting both the men’s and women’s World Cup, Saudi Arabia is determined to establish itself as a prominent destination for global football events. These bids indicate the country’s eagerness to position itself as a major player in the international football community.
Should Saudi Arabia be successful in its bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035, it would mark a significant step forward for the development and recognition of women’s football in the Middle Eastern region. The tournament would not only bring economic benefits to the host nation but also serve as a catalyst for social change and further empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia.
Considering the progress made by the Saudi women’s football team and the country’s commitment to the sport’s growth, hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2035 seems like a plausible and exciting opportunity for Saudi Arabia. It would serve as a testament to the efforts invested in promoting gender equality and developing women’s football in the country.
Ultimately, the potential dual hosting of the men’s and women’s World Cup exemplifies the Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s ambition to create a lasting legacy in the world of football. As the country continues its journey to establish itself as a prominent footballing nation, hosting both tournaments would be a remarkable achievement with far-reaching implications for the sport.
Christian Radnedge reported on this story, with editing by Ed Osmond.
