Saudi Arabia’s confirmation as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup was met with an unusual lack of fanfare. This was no surprise it was the only bidder, making the decision a mere formality. Yet, the muted reaction hints at growing doubts about the sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sporting dreams.
Hosting the World Cup is a centerpiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on oil by turning it into a global leisure hub. However, cracks in this grand vision are becoming apparent.
The Saudi Pro League’s Struggles
The Saudi Pro League (SPL), which saw big-name stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar join for astronomical salaries, is failing to gain traction.
Viewership in key markets remains low, average attendance hovers around 7,880 (comparable to Peru’s league), and the league’s appeal outside Saudi Arabia is virtually nonexistent. Despite massive investment, the SPL struggles with uneven team quality and minimal global recognition.
Financial and Geopolitical Pressures
Saudi Arabia’s finances are under strain. Falling oil prices, rising global oil production, and plateauing demand from China have hit the country’s budget hard. Meanwhile, geopolitical challenges in the Middle East demand attention and resources, further complicating the nation’s priorities.
Additionally, ambitious mega-projects like NEOM, once central to Vision 2030, face delays and reduced funding, signaling a shift toward financial caution. With the days of unchecked spending seemingly over, questions about the feasibility of sustaining these sporting investments grow louder.
Lessons from History
Similar stories have unfolded before. Japan’s J-League and China’s Super League both expanded rapidly, lured foreign stars, and then collapsed under financial strain when broader economic challenges arose. However, Saudi Arabia’s economy is far less diversified than those of Japan or China, making failure a more significant risk to national prestige and policy.
The Future of Saudi Soccer
For now, the Saudi Pro League and its sporting ambitions are integral to bin Salman’s plans. But as economic clouds gather and enthusiasm wanes at home and abroad, the question remains: how long can Saudi Arabia’s soccer dream be sustained? Hosting the 2034 World Cup might be the peak, but whether it leaves a lasting legacy or becomes another unsustainable experiment remains to be seen.
