Saudi is all set to create a wave in the sports world as they are officially declared as the host of the 2023 AFC World Cup during the 33rd AFC Confederation in Manama, Bahrain. This will be the first time Saudi becomes the stage to host AFC Cup, which is Asia’s largest sports event.

Saudi was chosen to host AFC over countries like China, Iran, India, Uzbekistan and Qatar. This opportunity would aid Saudi in achieving its 2030 vision of being more than just an Oil export giant to a modernised economy. 

The fate of Saudi to host AFC was confirmed when India itself quit the list of countries. China gave up on their interest to host the event as they are still following the zero covid-19 policy. 

At first, five nations declared their interest. Iran and Uzbekistan withdrew, and Qatar came in as a replacement when China — which is still under lockdown and is pursuing a zero-COVID-19 policy — gave up the hosting rights for the 2023 competition. Iran was banned by AFC from hosting the event due to the recent political turmoils and many countries refusing to travel to Iran due to diplomatic reasons. 

Hosting football events like AFC could also be promoting the country’s local talent. This will be the right encouragement for the country’s growing sports culture. After the win against Argentina in the 2022 world cup, Saudi has all the right reason’s to invest in its sports culture. 

Saudi is all excited and ready as their official statements from Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee reads “It is an honour to have been chosen as hosts for the AFC Asian Cup 2027™ and this is a historic and exciting moment for football in Saudi Arabia,”

Saudi also 3-time winners of the AFC World Cup during the years 1984, 1988 and 1996 consider this Asian football as an opportunity to put forward their best performance and to be a good host when the world comes to Saudi. 

Saudi is on a mission to build its sports profile, the country is now focused on equipping the country’s infrastructure and other fields to be ready for Asian Cup. We might also see Saudi co-hosting the 2030 World Cup and other global events like the 2029 Asian Winter, and the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. 

As hosting big events becomes a part of Saudi’s 2030 vision, Saudi is willing to spend millions of dollars to make it work. As this would benefit the country in its financial growth as a tourist hub and by gaining revenues from hosting big events. Moreover, highly entertaining events could help in improving the country’s quality of living by providing emotional and visual delight to people. This could bring developments both in and out of sports organisations and stadiums. 

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