Sport: Yaya Touré assures Saudi’s readiness for 2034 FIFA World Cup, praises stadium plans
Manchester City and FC Barcelona legend and current assistant manager of the Saudi national team, Yaya Touré has expressed his enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid.
After touring the dedicated exhibition in Riyadh, Touré praised the country’s grand plans, stating that the proposed stadiums will leave football fans worldwide in awe.
The former Ivorian international expressed his impression by the scale models of the 15 proposed stadiums, including the 92,000-seater King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, which would host the opening and final matches.
He also noted the refurbishment plans for four existing stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha. “The design, location, and links to the origins of each city are incredible,” Touré said.
Touré, who has spent a year living in Saudi Arabia, admitted he was initially surprised by the depth of football passion in the Kingdom. However, he now firmly believes that hosting the first 48-team FIFA World Cup in a single nation would attract global football fans.
“Saudi Arabia is a special country, people are very positive and welcoming,” he said. “I think people from around the world will come and say, ‘Wow.'”
Touré hopes the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia’s stadiums will rival that of Anfield, which he considers the best in world football. “Football is not just about Europe or South America; it’s about the rest of the world,” he emphasized.
“People are mad about football, and the world has to know that.” With his endorsement, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup gains momentum.
