Singapore, our beloved homeland, has been a hotspot for various regional and international sports events.
Most recently, we hosted the highly anticipated F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2023, held from 15 to 17 September 2023.
Singapore has successfully hosted events like the Grand Prix, UFC Fight Night, and ONE Championship, showcasing our expertise as a sporting destination.
However, one prestigious international event has yet to take centre stage in our little red dot.
If Singapore manages to co-host this event, it would be a massive milestone for our country.
Well, there may be a possibility for Singapore to co-host the FIFA World Cup 2034.
While it has yet to be confirmed, Singapore has expressed interest in joining forces with neighbouring countries to co-host the international football event.
Indonesia Wants to Co-Host World Cup 2034 With Australia, Singapore & Malaysia
Indonesia is currently discussing with Australia the possibility of jointly hosting the World Cup 2034 in collaboration with its neighbouring nations, Malaysia and Singapore.
Last week, FIFA, the governing body of world football, invited member associations from Asia and Oceania to submit bids for hosting rights to the 2034 edition of the tournament.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH), the president of Indonesia’s football federation (PSSI), Erick Thohir, said he has initiated talks with Malaysia and Singapore regarding the collaboration.
Thohir visited Malaysia and Singapore, confirming that both nations are enthusiastic about co-hosting this esteemed tournament.
Saudi Arabia Also Intends to Host World Cup 2034
Several other contenders are also in the race to secure the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.
This week, Saudi Arabia officially submitted its letter of intent to host the prestigious football tournament.
Saudi Arabia is currently seen as the strong frontrunner and is considered a heavy favourite to clinch the bid.
While the bid result remains uncertain, it’s clear that the proposal among the four countries is emerging as a leading contender in direct competition with a rival bid from Saudi Arabia.
If you’re wondering why Saudi Arabia is a forward contender, it’s attributed to the country’s expanding expertise in hosting top-tier football events.
Saudi Arabia’s impressive track record includes preparations to welcome football enthusiasts worldwide for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the scheduled 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Given Qatar’s recent hosting of the 2022 edition, Akmal Marhali from the Indonesian watchdog Save Our Soccer said it might be too soon for the World Cup to swiftly return to the Middle East.
Nonetheless, Thohir remains optimistic about their chances, asserting that they may have a higher chance of winning the bid with the participation of Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore in the joint effort.
However, significant challenges that could hinder the bid’s success include the geographical distance between the four participating countries and their historically underwhelming performance in past World Cup tournaments.
How Is the Host Country Decided for the World Cup?
Of course, it is a no-brainer that many countries worldwide bid to host the prestigious tournament as it brings in billions of dollars in revenue and creates numerous potential jobs for workers in the hosting country.
Hosting the World Cup can boost tourism and help grow the country’s economy. Just look at how hosting the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore has significantly boosted Singapore’s tourism industry.
Picking the host country for the FIFA World Cup is like a big game.
First, FIFA invites countries from Asia and Oceania to enter the bid. Interested countries form special teams to put together their best pitches.
These pitches include details on stadiums, transportation, hotels, and more that would appeal to football fans and those interested in attending the tournament.
After this intense review, a few lucky countries made it to the shortlist.
The one with the most votes wins the hosting rights and gets to host the prestigious football tournament.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, is slated to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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